They have reached that goal, but they’re not stopping just yet.
The semifinals cast is set: the Creamline Cool Smashers, Petro Gazz Angels, F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, and the PLDT High Speed Hitters have advanced to the penultimate stage of the PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Coach Oliver Almadro and the rest of the Angels celebrate this feat as a product of their labor.
“Sabi namin, ‘Trabaho lang.’ We decide that we will do it together. ‘Yun lang, unti-unti,” said Almadro.
At the same time, however, advancing to the semis is just like ticking an item in their to-do list this conference.
“Sabi namin step-by-step, process, and indeed na-reach namin ‘yung gusto naming maabot: to be in the semifinals. That’s a realistic goal,” the coach said.
For a team that won the 2022 PVL Reinforced Conference, the semis does seem realistic, but they're not stopping there just yet.
Petro Gazz is virtually assured of the second seed in the semis, but they await the results of Thursday's match between PLDT and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans to find out which team they will face in the next round.
When asked about the potential matchups, Almadro acknowledges they need to get ready regardless of which team falls into their bracket.
“[Matchups] will matter, but what’s important is the realistic goal is here. Now the Lord gave us an opportunity and have a chance to be in the finals," he said. "But first, process eh. Nandito kami sa semifinals, no matter sinong kalaban, we have to prepare for it.”