Bang Pineda capped her comeback run with Petro Gazz by helping the Angels reclaim the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference title.
Bang Pineda could not help but smile as she soaked in the moment—Petro Gazz, once again, stood atop the PVL.
The veteran defensive specialist played her first conference back with the Angels in two years, and her return proved timely as Petro Gazz defeated ZUS Coffee in four sets to reclaim the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference championship on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
For Pineda, the emotions felt familiar.
“Sobrang happy, siyempre, kasi siguro same feelings noong 2022,” she shared. “And mahirap din 'yung pinagdaanan namin, actually. Kinapitan lang namin yung isa’t-isa.”
Embracing her role again
Pineda admitted that returning mid-career came with its own set of challenges, especially after stepping away from the PVL spotlight for some time.
But she credited her teammates for giving her the support she needed to settle in quickly.
“Mentally, siguro, support system din talaga ng teammates ko—nila Rem,” she said. “Kakabalik ko lang, so 'di naman kailangan may patunayan agad. Kailangan ko lang makatulong sa team.”
[ALSO READ: Lindsey Vander Weide savors 2nd PVL Reinforced Conference title run with Petro Gazz]
A return that proved worth it
The 34-year-old libero’s return was not something she overthought, especially after receiving a call that instantly changed her plans.
“’Yung pagbalik, nung tinawagan ako ni Ate Cha, nag-go na ako agad. ’Di 'yung nagdalawang-isip or tatlo,” Pineda said. “Gusto ko na rin ng peace of mind.”
“Pagod na rin ako sa mga dati kong laro, so ngayon siguro 'yung chance ulit na magkatrabaho lang ako, tutulong lang ako. And siguro, give back na din sa Petro na nag-champion kami after nun kasi nawala na ako,” she added.
Bang Pineda and the Petro Gazz Angels celebrate after their 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference title victory. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Asked if the comeback was worth it, Pineda didn’t hesitate.
“Sobrang worth it kasi parang walang nagbago,” she said. “Yung feelings with my teammates, adjust na lang din siguro sa mga bago ding tao sa team.”
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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.