By: Ohmer Bautista
Janisa Johnson is very happy to have a new chance to play in the PVL.
After arriving on the Philippine volleyball scene a year ago, under the banner of the youthful Bali Pure-National University Water Defenders – a team majorly comprised of high school squad NU Lady Bullpups, and some collegiate players – the American spiker then was tasked to do the heavy lifting for her team.
However, playing against mature competition, the lack of experience and mettle got the best of the youth-laden Bali Pure. Their season was cut short after just a quarterfinals finish.
As a foreign reinforcement who dared to take a leap into uncharted territory just to fulfill her dream, a title will always be Johnson’s penultimate goal.
And so when the up-and-coming PetroGazz Angels searched for a new import, Johnson immediately pounced on the chance for greener pastures.
“From doon sa pagpili namin ng mga imports, medyo natagalan talaga kami. But swerte nga namin when the agent of Johnson agreed agad,” Petro Gazz head coach Arnold Laniog recalled.
Immediately, both Johnson and Petr Gazz reaped the benefits of the decision. They wielded the upset axe against defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers in the season opener.
With this, Johnson cannot help but beam with pride. After all, she knows that they have yet to peak as a team, but they still upended a strong team like Creamline.
“It’s huge, especially 3-0. I mean… Like I said, we’ve been working hard and it all paid off,” beamed Johnson, citing their dominant sweep of Creamline.
“I’m proud of my team. I know I came in late and there’s a lot of adjusting with me and them with me. I’m happy that we’re able to put it all together and come out with the win,” the 28-year-old added, as she finished with 16 points in the victory.
Flanked by a promising fellow import in Cuban national Wilma Salas and a grizzled squad, Johnson and her Angels are now one of the favorites to unseat Creamline and win it all this year.
“I remember them (Creamline) from last year. It’s not like I’m going in there completely blind like I was last year. It’s nice to know what they’re doing so I’m kind of prepared this time around.”
