Jonah Sabete always rises to the occasion whenever her number is called, even if it means stepping into a new position.
The 5-foot-7 open spiker from Bulacan State U was asked by Petro Gazz head coach Koji Tsuzurabara to replace Aiza Pontillas, the team’s opposite spiker, in the first set.
Though the Angels lost the opening frame badly, 12-25, Sabete demonstrated professionalism by quickly adapting to the opposite position and becoming a key factor in the team’s turnaround.
Petro Gazz came back strong after that dismal first set, overcoming PLDT with a 12-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-20 victory in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday.
“Actually sa training, open spiker eh. Lagi naman sinasabi nila na ready always kasi hindi nila alam kung ano yung position na ilalagay. Kahit dati pa naman, ganon pa rin – kung saan man ilagay, magpe-perform pa rin ako,” said Sabete.
(C) PVL Images
Despite playing in an unfamiliar position, the Bulacan State University product ended up with 17 points.
It was a clear testament to her readiness, even though she didn’t know she would be playing as an opposite that day.
This performance also gave Sabete a much-needed confidence boost after seeing limited playing time in the previous three games, including sitting out the Angels’ match against Farm Fresh in Candon, Ilocos Sur.
“Naisip ko lang na papaluin ko lang ‘to babasahin ko lang ‘yung blockers. Buti naman kahit papano naging okay yung performance,” said Sabete.
“Ano na lang tiwala na lang sa sarili saka ang laki rin ng impact ng coaching staff na ‘you can do it, we know you. Kailangan ka namin, ganito ka palaban ka’ so na-boost yung confidence ko.”
The Angels are on a roll, having won three straight matches to move into solo third place with a 4-1 record.
They will face the undefeated 4-0 Cignal HD Spikers on Saturday before heading into the one-month holiday break.
