BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Petro Gazz players leaped to the defense of middle blocker Ria Meneses after her celebration following Maddie Madayag’s injury drew flak on social media on Wednesday.
In the midst of the fourth set of the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference battle for bronze Game One, Madayag rose up for quick. She was quickly turned back by Meneses, which tied the scores at 15-all.
The former UST stalwart was seen clapping right after the point.
According to Petro Gazz hitters Grethcel Soltones and Mean Mendrez, Meneses celebrated all because of the block — as she’s been doing all season. At the time, though, she had no idea that Madayag injured her knee.
“Hindi naman po namin ginusto ang mangyari sa kabila pero sana naman wag niyo naman sabihan ang isa sa mga teammates ko na sana sila nalang ang ma-injured,” tweeted Soltones.
“And please tantanan niyo po yung teammate namin. Grabe murahin and i-bash. Sa block point siya nag-celebrate hindi dahil sa nangyare kahit ulit-ulitin niyo pa. Walang ganun mga ineng,” added Mendrez.
“Nobody here wants anybody hurt. ‘Yan nga ang lagi naming prayer sa team – no injuries from any team until matapos tong bubble league,” Jessey de Leon expressed.
Petro Gazz eventually took the Game One win after a four-set, 25-21, 25-15, 22-25, 25-20 triumph at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center.
Meneses finished with 10 points off five blocks, while Madayag collected six markers.
For Kath Arado, she is hoping that the volleyball community just prays for their safety since the remaining teams inside the bubble are all running on fumes.
“Walang may gusto sa nangyari, sana wag na tayo magsisihan,” the decorated libero tweeted.
“Pag pray niyo na lang po kaming mga player na naglalaro lalong lalo na si Maddie.”
The Angels will face the Flying Titans tomorrow, Thursday at 2:00 PM.
