After being relegated last season, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas is looking to make the most out of the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference with Petro Gazz.
“Siguro ine-enjoy ko na lang this season muna hangga’t kaya ko pang maglaro,” expressed the 34-year-old Maizo-Pontillas after the Angels’ 25-14, 25-20, 23-25, 25-21 debut win against BaliPure on Thursday.
“Hangga’t kaya ko pa, maglalaro at maglalaro pa ako.”
Suiting up for Sta. Lucia in the Open Conference last July, Maizo-Pontillas — who suffered from a minor injury — led the Lady Realtors’ supporting cast and played behind the shadows of starters MJ Phillips, Jonah Sabete, and Jovie Prado.
The two-time V-League MVP, through the Instagram account THEY WRITE, TOO — which featured pieces from different volleyball personalities — shared that her morale took a huge dip after the Ilocos Norte bubble.
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That is why now, with the opportunity to contribute finally in front of her, she is looking to enjoy the experience and thrive with her newfound family.
“Medyo slow start pa, nag a-adjust pa siguro sa court, communication pa sa loob ng court,” said the former national team stalwart.
Maizo-Pontillas definitely made the most out of it, finishing with 10 points and 14 excellent digs for Petro Gazz.
According to Angels head coach Jerry Yee, though, he is still managing the minutes of Maizo-Pontillas — who started in three of all four sets against the Water Defenders — to keep her in shape in the crucial stretch of the tournament.
“Mina-manage natin yung load niya siyempre, buti na lang may other players naman tayo na naglalaro ng same spot niya e, si Myla [Pablo] kaya namang mag opposite,” said Yee.
“So managing the load and trying to stretch playing time for everybody para down the stretch magamit lahat,” he revealed.
