CANDON, ILOCOS SUR — In the midst of a three-game losing skid in the 2025 PVL On Tour, Petro Gazz faced another major blow.
Head coach Koji Tsuzurabara suddenly parted ways with the team to “pursue new opportunities” and be closer to his loved ones.
It was a surprising development for a squad fresh off a championship run in the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, but amid the turmoil, veteran leader Myla Pablo stepped up to rally the Angels.
Pablo, the team’s top scorer in the preseason tournament, delivered a stellar all-around performance in Petro Gazz’s first match under interim head coach Brian Esquibel. She poured in 23 points built on 19 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace, and added 16 excellent receptions.
This time, her efforts were not in vain. The Angels snapped their slump with a 20-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-17 victory over the struggling Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Tuesday at the Candon City Arena here.
(C) PVL Images
“Malaking bagay kasi ‘yung game na ‘to and para sa next game namin sa crossover, madala namin ‘yung kumpiyansa namin,” said the two-time PVL MVP.
“Also, I know na maraming mga… I know na maraming malaking problem ‘yung Petro pero siyempre kami, kailangan mag-focus lang kami kung ano ‘yung mga sinasabi ng mga coaches namin,” she added.
Though the team was taken aback by the sudden exit of their Japanese tactician, Pablo emphasized the importance of staying focused — especially now that the PVL On Tour is entering its crucial knockout phase.
Petro Gazz ended the eliminations in fourth place in Pool A. They will face the Akari Chargers in the crossover knockout round, with a quarterfinal berth on the line.
“Well, ‘yung kay coach Koji din naman kasi biglaan din naman kasi ‘yun eh, so sabi namin na parang tapusin muna ‘tong elimination against Choco Mucho… And after that sa crossover na mangyayari is kailangan makuha namin ‘yung winning game kasi laglagan na rin sa next round,” Pablo explained.
With so much happening in the Angels’ camp in a short span of time, Pablo expressed relief that the team was finally back in the win column after enduring three straight losses — games where she had to single-handedly carry the offensive load.
This time, she got ample support. Nicole Tiamzon chipped in 16 points and 12 digs, while Ranya Musa and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas added 10 points apiece.
“Siyempre sa three loss namin, ako kasi alam ko ngayon trabaho ko as a team eh. Napaka-importante nitong game na ito para sa next game namin, ‘yung kumpiyansa ng bawat isa madadala namin,” Pablo said.
