Despite an extensive professional volleyball career that spans six countries — the United States, France, Puerto Rico, Italy, Indonesia, and South Korea — 6-foot-2 American outside hitter Giovanna Day is only now making her debut in an international volleyball tournament.
That lack of international experience may have contributed to Day’s nerves, as Petro Gazz fell to Chinese Taipei powerhouse Kaohsiung Taipower in four sets. Still, the 26-year-old spiker remains optimistic as she looks to power the Angels’ campaign in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League.
“My biggest takeaway is just to be in the moment together. To enjoy point by point, I think coach said point by point. Rem [Palma], the captain, reminded us to stay in the moment and go point by point. So I think, thinking about the moment helps us to focus and enjoy together,” said Day, who finished with 18 points on 16 attacks and added eight excellent digs in Monday afternoon’s match at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Rather than dwell on the loss, Day is choosing to embrace the challenge of leading Petro Gazz while gaining valuable experience and lessons playing in the Philippines alongside veteran mainstays such as two-time MVP Brooke Van Sickle and All-Filipino Finals MVP MJ Phillips.
(C) PVL Images
“I think this is also my first international tournament so I’m really excited to play with a different style and also see so many different styles in volleyball, I think it’s a beautiful thing,” Day shared.
“Like what Brooke said, the teams in this tournament are really good at playing together and finding their rhythm as a team so I think that’s something we can learn from and really be excited about. I kind of accepted the challenge so I’m excited for what the future holds and I’m really thankful that they invited me to come here.”
Fully aware that the Angels still have control over their quarterfinal fate, Day now shifts her focus toward blending more seamlessly with a stacked Petro Gazz lineup featuring Van Sickle, Phillips, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, team captain Rem Palma, and Myla Pablo.
That focus is fueled by the high stakes ahead: a win over Hong Kong’s emerging Hip Hing squad tomorrow would secure Petro Gazz the final quarterfinal berth in Pool B. That would then set them up for a showdown against Pool C’s top seed, Beijing Baic Motor of China.
“I’m really happy with the connection that we’ve made so far, with me and the team. We only had two and a half practices together because one was like a serve and pass. So I think for this, I’m really thankful to the girls for welcoming me so well. Brooke and MJ [Phillips], all the local girls, I feel really loved and supported and I feel not too much pressure, as much as I put to myself, so I know I can help more once we get in more rhythm. I’m just excited to support as much as I can,” Day shared.
“I think we improved a lot today in the game. During, you could see the rhythm kind of change and evolve over time. I think this was the perfect moment, like what Brooke said, to learn from, gain rhythm, to learn each other. I’m excited for practice, I’m excited for tomorrow, and to just keep improving together.”
Petro Gazz head coach Koji Tsuzurabara, Brooke Van Sickle, and Gia Day reflect on their opening loss to Taipower in the #AVCChampionsLeague
@jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times #PVL2025 pic.twitter.com/HNIHDmb2AZ
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 21, 2025
