Petro Gazz had its way when it easily turned down Akari in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference last Saturday at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
The Angels needed just 1 hour and 10 minutes to silence the Chargers in straight sets, 25-13, 25-14, 25-20.
But Petro Gazz coach Rald Ricafort braces for their next match, which will be next Saturday against a now-healthy F2 Logistics.
The bench tactician, who also handles University of the Philippines’ men’s team in the V-League, specifically mentioned reinforcement Lindsay Stalzer and Kalei Mau, the Cargo Movers’ main weapons.
“F2… ibig sabihin dalawa ‘yung import, hindi joke lang. Dalawang malakas talaga, dalawang kailangan bantayan. Kailangan talagang mag double time,” said Ricafort.
“Fortunately, medyo may preparation kami bukod sa pahinga, maprepare yung katawan, at manood ulit ng mga games nila,” he added on the game that will happen next Saturday still at the same Laguna venue.
For American guest player Lindsey Vander Weide, who led Petro Gazz with 21 points, she knows that it will be a gritty battle.
Stalzer, who missed F2 Logistics’ first game due to health and safety protocols, is averaging 25 points in two outings.
On the other hand, Mau currently averages 14.33 points in three matches despite playing just two sets in their last match against United Auctioneers-Army after suffering from cramps.
And with star libero Dawn Macandili back and the Cargo Movers finally healthy, expect them to play better than their 1-2 record suggests.
“It’s definitely gonna be a tough game. We’re definitely gonna have to train hard and be focused this week but it will definitely be an exciting match,” said Vander Weide.
“I personally love those games so I’m excited to play some of my American girlies,” added the import, talking about Stalzer and Mau who are from Illinois and Hawaii, respectively.
