Petro Gazz head coach Arnold Laniog admitted that reigning champion Creamline got the best of the Angels in Game One of the 2019 PVL Reinforced Conference Finals last Wednesday.
Still, he lamented that his players wasted a slew of opportunities in the match, which, he believed, cost them the game.
“‘Yan talaga eh, ‘yan [errors] ‘yung kwento talaga,” Laniog rued. “Kumbaga sabi ko nga, bukod doon sa mental talaga, kung sino ‘yung team na mas may gusto. Sabi ko talagang deserve ng Creamline ‘yung panalo.”
The Angels surrendered 31 errors in the pressure-packed championship bout. In hindsight, Petro Gazz dropped more than a full set from errors alone in their four-set defeat.
Given this, Janisa Johnson vows to help lead her team in training and prevent another error-plagued performance come Game Two.
“I mean, everyone’s reflecting including myself,” confided Petro Gazz guest player Janisa Johnson, who finished with a triple-double of 20 points, 18 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs.
“I mean, of course, we’re pissed, you know, we’re upset but it’s not over yet.
“For practice, it’s going to be solely working on the errors and try to limit them because they do cost this game,” the 27-year-old import said.
Echoing his prized reinforcement, Laniog also believes that preparation is key for his Angels to bounce back and climb from a 0-1 series hole.
“It will start sa training na magpu-push sa isa’t-isa,” he said.
“Kung gusto nating ma-extend ‘yung game sa Sunday, umpisahan natin sa training.”
However, he emphasizes that their approach in practice would be crucial. That is why he has been keeping his players on their toes, constantly reminding them of their penultimate goal.
“Kumbaga nagte-training sila siguro dahil akala nila okay na, pero ako I just keep on reminding na hindi pa enough, hindi pa enough para sa championship,” he shared.
There is no guarantee for the Petro Gazz Angels. But all their hard work and preparation days prior to the all-important game on Saturday.
It’s win or go home time for the Angels.
