By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Jonah Sabete overcame cramps and physical exhaustion to help the Petro Gazz Angels dethrone the Creamline Cool Smashers and capture its first-ever Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference title.

The Negros Occidental’s Escalante City-native Sabete pushed through visible discomfort to score 16 points as the Angels completed a 25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 25-19 victory in Game 3 of the finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

“Masaya, kasi ‘yun din naman ang gusto ng management — na bigyan namin sila ng All-Filipino championship,” said Sabete, who has been with Petro Gazz since the team’s PVL debut in 2019.

The title was a long time coming for Sabete, who returned to the Angels after stints with Sta. Lucia and F2 Logistics.

She had come close to the All-Filipino title before but often saw her team fall short — usually to the very team they finally overcame.

Though clearly hobbled in the second set, she stayed on the court and continued to produce, with teammates rallying behind her resolve.

Her efforts — both on offense and in leadership — became a key pillar in the Angels’ four-set triumph.

The 31-year-old Sabete was consistent throughout the series, scoring 16 points in Game 1 and turning in an all-around performance in Game 2 with 14 points, 11 digs and 11 receptions.

“Actually, sobrang saya namin. Syempre first time. Ilang beses kami na nasa championship — twice?” she said.

“‘Yung step-by-step namin biglang sumakses,” she said.

“Kasi maglalaro lang talaga ako, ‘yun lang ‘yung goal ko eh. Pero binigay din talaga ni Lord sa amin ito. Sobrang proud sa teammates,” she added./ASC, WDJ