Rookie setter Jules Tolentino credited the steady guidance of veteran setters Chie Saet and Djanel Cheng for helping her stay composed and lead Petro Gazz back to the PVL Reinforced Conference Finals.
Jules Tolentino continues to rise in her rookie year after guiding the Petro Gazz Angels back to the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference Finals.
The 23-year-old setter orchestrated Petro Gazz’s thrilling five-set escape over Akari, 25-19, 25-17, 15-25, 22-25, 15-13, on Thursday, November 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Tolentino dished out 27 excellent sets in arguably the most pressure-packed match of her young PVL career so far.
Keeping calm even as a rookie
Entering the semifinal, Tolentino admitted the nerves were real, especially knowing she now leads the offense of the championship-seeking Angels.
“Before the game, sobrang kinakabahan ako. As the first setter of this team, gusto ko talaga matawid ‘to hanggang Finals,” Tolentino told One Sports. “Kahit rookie ako, alam kong sasandalan ako ng mga ate ko, so kailangan talagang very composed ako.”
[ALSO READ: PVL: Jules Tolentino gets full backing as lead setter in Petro Gazz’s crucial win over Capital1]
Despite moments of self-doubt, her teammates constantly assured her she belonged right where she was.
“Ina-assure nila ako na okay lang, or like lagi nilang sinasabi sa'kin kung anong kailangan nila, ‘yung mga feedback nila,” she said. “Doon ako mas nagiging kampante na even if sometimes I doubt myself, nakikita ko sa teammates ko na kumpiyansa rin sila sa'kin.”
Guided by veteran setters
Tolentino did not reach this stage alone.
Jules Tolentino sets the ball during Petro Gazz's five-set semifinal victory over Akari. | Photo: PVL
The former DLSU standout said her biggest leap in confidence—and in understanding the complexities of Petro Gazz’s system—came from the daily mentorship of veteran setters Chie Saet and Djanel Cheng.
“Sobrang nahanap ko ‘yung comfort zone ko kay Mami Chi and Ate DJ. Sila talaga 'yung tumulong sa’kin mag-grow,” said Tolentino.
“As a new setter of this team, madami akong dapat matutunan and malaman ‘yung mga tendencies sa mga kasama ko. So I'm really happy na gina-guide nila ako everyday sa training,” she added.
Petro Gazz returns to the big stage
The Angels’ victory over Akari sends them to their seventh Finals appearance and third in the Reinforced Conference, marking a successful rebound after falling short in their 2024 title defense.
As Petro Gazz returns to the championship round, the rookie setter who once worried about living up to expectations has become one of the team’s pillars. And Tolentino points all of her growth to the guidance of her Ates, who raised her game.
“Everyday, natututo ako. Everyday, ginagabayan nila ako. Kaya ibibigay ko talaga lahat for this team.”
[ALSO READ: PVL: Jules Tolentino grateful for guidance from Petro Gazz's veteran setters amid learning curve]
The Angels will now await the semifinal winner between the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles and PLDT High Speed Hitters for the championship match on Sunday, November 30.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.