PVL: Nicole Tiamzon gains much-needed confidence in Petro Gazz's season-opening rout of SGA

Nicole Tiamzon did not waste the opportunity given to her as she steered Petro Gazz past debuting Strong Group Athletics in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday. 

After playing a reserve role for the Angels in the previous season, the 5-foot-6 outside hitter got a chance to showcase her worth as starting outside hitter Jonah Sabete sat out, and she did not disappoint.

Tiamzon churned out a game-high 15-point output built on 13 attacks and two aces in a straight-set beatdown of SGA. 

The UP product was the lone-double digit scorer in the rout, and she proved that she can take charge on offense when needed.

"Very thankful for the opportunity also to play," Tiamzon bared.

"I’m trying to get back on track also playing inside the court for straight sets."

Newly-minted head coach Koji Tsuzurabara has provided much-needed confidence to Tiamzon. But more than anything, she feels grateful for the new learnings being imparted by the Japanese tactician to the team.

"It’s new but exciting siya and very challenging kasi we’re not used to this kind of system. Although hindi naman siya yung hindi tayo sanay but it’s good din to learn from a foreign coach as well. He’s gonna push you and 'yung experience niya, thankful tayo dun na mashare din niya sa team," shared Tiamzon.

"Natutunan ko din kay coach yung mindset is always lagi kaming challenger. So we will prepare, train and train."

Still, the process of learning the new system continues for the Angels. who gave up 27 errors in the opening match.

"We’re trying to find our chemistry also, it’s our first game so maraming lapses pa, maraming errors. We’re going back to training and we’ll fix everything," Tiamzon said.

Tiamzon and the Angels aim to address their error-prone performance and emerge a much better team in preparation for their next assignment, the Choco Mucho Angels, on February 27, Tuesday.