Petro Gazz’s dramatic comeback from a one-game deficit against ZUS Coffee in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals was fueled by a vintage performance from veteran setter Chie Saet.
At 40 years old, Saet was entrusted with the main setter role by Angels coach Koji Tsuzurabara after their shocking Game 1 loss to the Thunderbelles, 21-25, 23-25, 25-27, on March 18.
Not only did she rise to the occasion — she embraced the challenge.
Saet orchestrated Petro Gazz’s offense to perfection, leading the team to back-to-back dominant victories and securing a spot in the semifinals.
“Siyempre, happy kasi I’m back inside the court and given the chance again ni Coach Koji. So I take the responsibility na binigay niya para sa’kin — para mag-take up inside sa court, magbigay ng maayos, and mag-lead din sa mga teammates,” said the veteran playmaker.
In Petro Gazz’s resounding 25-19, 25-13, 28-26 Game 2 victory at the packed Ynares Center in Antipolo last Saturday, Saet dished out 18 excellent sets and added three points.
She followed it up with an even stronger performance in Game 3, tallying 20 excellent sets and five points — three from attacks and two from aces — as the Angels clinched the series with a 25-21, 25-19, 25-23 win on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
(C) PVL Images
With her playing years numbered, Saet is more determined than ever to lead Petro Gazz to an All-Filipino Conference championship — something that has eluded the franchise.
The Angels’ two PVL titles both came in the Reinforced Conference.
“Siyempre, bilang ate, ito na lang ‘yung conference na wala kaming championship. So gusto ko rin makuha ‘yung championship this All-Filipino Conference,” said the De La Salle University alumna.
“And for them to remember me kasi soon I’ll be retiring din. Gusto ko ibigay ‘yung best ko every game. I keep reminding everyone na we have to push. Nandito na kami, eh. Parang ngayon pa ba kami hihinto?”
Beyond her leadership on the Taraflex, Saet’s presence was even more crucial in the aftermath of their Game 1 defeat.
It was she who reminded the Angels of their identity — the team that had won 10 straight games in the preliminaries before that shocking loss.
“Right after nung Game 1, nag-usap kami. The next day, we talked again about what happened. We realized na marami din kaming nakalimutan — ‘yung sarili namin, kung ano kami,” she shared.
“We started slow that first game, parang inaatay pa namin na lumaban. Pero nagulat kami kasi nilabanan kami, and we paid the price. Kaya after that, nag-usap kami at nagkasundo—hindi na namin papayagang maulit ‘yun. Ayaw na namin ng heartbreak ulit.”
