Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Arjun Devgan

  • Veteran setter Chie Saet joins Strong Group Athletics after leaving Petro Gazz Angels

    Veteran setter Chie Saet joins Strong Group Athletics after leaving Petro Gazz Angels

    Strong Group Athletics have bolstered their Premier Volleyball League (PVL) presence after securing the services of veteran setter Chie Saet, who has decided to part ways with the Petro Gazz Angels ahead of the upcoming PVL conference.

     

    Strong Group, the organization behind PVL teams Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, officially announced Saet’s arrival through a social media post on Sunday, January 4. The franchise welcomed the seasoned playmaker with a message that highlighted the intangibles she brings to the court: “Strong Mind, Strong Heart. Chie Saet joins Strong Group, bringing leadership, experience, and calm under pressure to the squad. Welcome, Chie!”

     

    Saet’s acquisition is widely seen as a major boost for any roster she eventually joins, given her wealth of experience and proven ability to steady a team in high-pressure situations. A former standout from De La Salle University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Saet has long been regarded as one of the country’s most reliable setters. Her collegiate success paved the way for a professional career that included a stint with the Cignal HD Spikers in the Philippine Super Liga before she moved to the PVL.

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    In 2018, Saet joined the Petro Gazz Angels and quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. Despite being in the latter stages of her career, the 41-year-old continued to perform at a high level, providing composure, leadership, and consistency from the setter position. Her steady hand played a crucial role in Petro Gazz’s rise as one of the league’s dominant teams, helping the Angels capture four PVL championships during her tenure. Beyond her on-court contributions, Saet was also widely respected for her mentorship of younger players and her ability to organize the team during critical moments.

     

    At this point, Strong Group Athletics has yet to confirm which of its two PVL teams—Farm Fresh or ZUS Coffee—Saet will suit up for in the upcoming conference. The uncertainty has sparked speculation among fans and observers, with both squads standing to benefit significantly from the presence of a veteran setter of Saet’s caliber.

     

    Regardless of where she ultimately lands, Saet’s move represents a significant addition to the Strong Group franchise and underscores the organization’s intent to be more competitive in the next PVL season. With her experience, leadership, and championship pedigree, Saet is expected to have an immediate impact and help elevate her new team’s performance as the league prepares for another highly competitive conference.

     

     

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  • “That’s on Me”: Chot Reyes owns up as TNT escapes Meralco in Game 1 of PBA semifinals

    “That’s on Me”: Chot Reyes owns up as TNT escapes Meralco in Game 1 of PBA semifinals

    TNT Tropang Giga seized the early upper hand in their best-of-seven semifinal series after escaping with a hard-earned 100-95 victory over the Meralco Bolts in Game 1 on Sunday, January 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The win, however, did not come easily for the Tropang Giga, who had to overcome a disastrous opening half that saw them trailing by as many as 21 points. Meralco dominated the first two quarters behind crisp ball movement and stifling defense, racing to a commanding 52-31 lead at halftime and appearing well in control of the series opener.

     

    TNT head coach Chot Reyes did not shy away from taking responsibility for his team’s sluggish start, admitting that their initial game plan failed to slow down the Bolts.

     

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    “That’s on me. We prepared a game plan that were picked apart. The players were simply following and executing the defensive game plan we prepared, and Meralco picked it apart,” Reyes said after the game.

     

    Facing a steep deficit, Reyes emphasized the importance of regrouping and making timely adjustments during the break.

    “We had to make sure that we made the right adjustments at halftime. I think ‘yon ang nangyari,” he added.

     

    Those adjustments proved decisive. TNT came out of the locker room with renewed energy and urgency, clamping down defensively while finding their rhythm on offense. Roger Pogoy and Rey Nambatac spearheaded the turnaround in the third quarter, combining for 18 points as the Tropang Giga outscored the Bolts 28-13 in the period. The dominant run erased much of Meralco’s lead and swung the momentum firmly in TNT’s favor heading into the final frame.

     

    Calvin Oftana then took over in the closing minutes, delivering a composed and confident performance befitting a star. The versatile forward finished with a game-high 28 points, including two crucial free throws that pushed TNT ahead 98-95 with just 21.1 seconds remaining. Oftana’s steady presence on both ends of the floor helped stabilize the Tropang Giga as Meralco attempted to mount a late comeback.

     

    Nambatac provided valuable support with 17 points, while Pogoy chipped in 16. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser made his presence felt inside, contributing 14 points and key defensive stops that helped limit Meralco’s options down the stretch.

     

    Despite the loss, the Bolts showed why they are a formidable playoff opponent, controlling much of the first half and forcing TNT to dig deep. However, their offensive struggles in the third quarter ultimately proved costly, allowing the Tropang Giga to dictate the tempo for the remainder of the contest.

     

    With the victory, TNT takes a crucial 1-0 lead in the semifinals, but Reyes remains focused on the lessons learned from the near-miss.

     

    After securing the series opener, Reyes will be hoping that his team avoids another slow start and builds on their strong second-half performance when the two squads clash again in Game 2 on Wednesday, January 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

     

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