After two years with Cocolife, Denden Lazaro has decided to move to the most dominant franchise in the Philippine Superliga – the Petron Blaze Spikers.
After the ace libero’s contract with the Asset Managers expired at the tail-end of 2018, it didn’t take long for Petron to send out an offer.
The Blaze Spikers had just re-signed key veterams in Ces Molina, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, and Rhea Dimaculangan. But they needed a libero, as Buding Duremdes would not be available for the 2019 PSL Grand Prix due to her commitment with the Far Eastern University in the UAAP.
“Yeah, the management of Petron contacted me after my contract with Cocolife expired,” said the perennial National Team campaigner.
“Who wouldn’t be happy to join a team like Petron, right?”
Lazaro joins a Petron squad coming off two glorious title wins in 2018. While her long list of accolades from her days as an Ateneo Lady Eagle to today rivals that of any other libero in the country, Lazaro knows there is pressure in joining Petron’s stacked lineup.
“Everyone has been very warm and welcoming – management, coaches and teammates. I’ve seen how well they all work together and how much hard work they put into what they do. It’s a great working environment,” the 27-year-old said.
“If anything, the pressure is coming from me ’cause I know I need to perform better. Joining a champion team is no joke.”
The Blaze Spikers will come into the Grand Prix as heavy favorites, after signing high-scoring imports Katherine Bell and Stephanie Niemer. Having Lazaro ensures they’ll maintain stellar ball control to support their already intimidating offense.
“I’m a team and a role player, and I think that’s important.
“I just want to be able to fit in their current system, and continuously learn and improve,” she concluded.
