In a career already spanning 18 years, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas has already learned almost everything there is in volleyball.
But now in her second year with Petro Gazz, new head coach Oliver Almadro wants the 34-year-old opposite hitter to try something new – be more vocal.
“Siguro yung sinasabi ni coach [Oliver Almadro] laging maging vocal lang ako sa loob ng court and i-enjoy talaga namin yung bawat laro namin, yung bawat puntos na ginagawa ng bawat isa,” said Maizo-Pontillas.
Although she is still working on it, Maizo-Pontillas’ game proved to be the loudest on the court on Thursday night.
The former University of Sto. Tomas star dropped a game-high 19 points to spearhead Petro Gazz’s 25-18, 25-20, 25-21 sweep of Choco Mucho in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Thursday night at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
“Siguro nag-gel lang talaga yung team namin and nag-contribute yung bawat isa. Siguro ano, ine-enjoy lang namin yung laro namin today and sana magtuloy-tuloy pa yung magandang nilalaro ng bawat isa,” said Maizo-Pontillas during the broadcast interview.
Almadro said that she’s grateful to Maizo-Pontillas for being open to learning new things despite being in the game for almost two decades. He also revealed that he has a plan for the 5-foot-10 spiker and hopes they can achieve it by the end of the season.
“I’m happy and thankful kay Nang na nagrerespond siya sa mga dagdag pa kasi alam naman na talented na siya,” said Almadro.
“One of the best. Idol yun, idol si Nang. Hindi mo talaga maririnig yun magsalita pero the actions speak for itself. She’s prepared, she’s ready. And I have a goal for her, sana makuha namin. Yun lang yung iniinstill ko sa kanila everytime they should have a personal goal and it will round up to a team goal.”
The UAAP champion tactician also said he is glad to work with a ‘mature’ team like the Angels, who constantly give out suggestions and are very understanding, especially in heated moments.
“Hindi sila mahirap kausapin kasi they suggest tapos kapag may nasabi ka sa kanila na ano, talagang pinaguusapan so they are really a mature team. Good thing na napunta ako sa kanila and ako rin, natututo rin ako sa kanila, naggo-grow din ako sa kanila.”
