In a highly-anticipated matchup in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Petro Gazz triumphed over Choco Mucho in a straight sets victory, 25-18, 25-20, 25-21.
Despite the win being against his former team, head coach Oliver Almadro downplayed its significance.
Almadro spent the last three years with Choco Mucho and met the Flying Titans for the first time as a coach of Petro Gazz. However, he says that his knowledge of the opposing team didn't play a role in the victory.
Instead, it was the Angels' preparation that allowed them to bounce back from their loss against Creamline and secure a win against Choco Mucho.
"We just focused on our own skills and character. Whatever they put on us, we were ready for it. I don't think the system helped," said Almadro. "I don't even know what their new system is."
The UAAP champion coach emphasized that beating his former team was not personal. According to him, Choco Mucho is just one of the nine teams they have to defeat in the All-Filipino Conference.
"We prepared for it, just like we have to prepare for all the other teams," Almadro stated.
Almadro intends to continue motivating his players and maximizing their potential as they gear up for their next match against Cignal on February 18th at the Philsports Arena. He praised his team for being mature and easy to work with, saying that they are a team that suggests and discusses things to improve.
"They're not difficult to talk to because they suggest and when you talk to them about something, they take it seriously and discuss it. They're a mature team. I'm glad I ended up with them and I'm learning from them as well," said Almadro.
Despite the win, Almadro remains humble and focused on the next challenge ahead. He and the Angels will aim to continue their preparation and find a way to make the most out of what they have in order to achieve their goals.
