GERZ Petallo’s return to action didn’t come with a dramatic entrance - no roaring introduction, no immediate takeover. Just a late substitution in the opening set, a quiet step back onto the court after three games away.
But by the time the match stretched to a fifth set, her impact was undeniable.
Thrown back into action against undefeated, current top seed La Salle, Petallo became part of the spark, as Far Eastern University charged back from a daunting 0–2 hole, turning what seemed like a routine sweep into a statement of resistance in the middle of a tightening Final Four race.
In their first-round clash against UST, Petallo’s momentum was abruptly halted at the 15–16 mark of the third set after a collision with libero Marga Encarnacion left her nursing a shoulder injury that forced her to the sidelines for the next three games.
So when she finally checked back in, the goal was simple.
“I’m really glad po and very happy talaga na nakatulong po ako sa team ngayon,” Petallo shared.
“Yun lang po kasi yung objective ko sa game, kahit pasulpot-sulpot lang, kahit makatulong lang ako nang kaunti.”
There was uncertainty, of course. Not in her willingness, but in how her body would respond.
“And very glad na hindi talaga siya sumakit,” she added.
“Nag-iisip pa ako kung baka sasakit siya o hindi, pero hindi siya sumakit ngayon. So tinodo ko na kung ano yung maitutulong ko sa team.”
Gerz still, technically, in recovery
Still working her way back, the outside hitter admitted she is only around 70-percent recovered and yet, at less than full strength, she delivered across the board, finishing with 12 attacks, two aces, 18 excellent receptions, and nine digs.
Her presence couldn’t have come at a more critical time. With the playoff race tightening and every match carrying added weight, the Lady Tamaraws needed both stability and spark - something Petallo managed to provide despite her layoff.
“Yes, talagang malaki po yung pressure,” she said.
“But we make sure na yung remaining games, paghirapan talaga namin. Wala pong bibitaw, walang magre-relax. This is UAAP, and yung place namin, kailangan naming kunin.”
The result may not have gone their way, but the message was clear: FEU will keep charging
And with Petallo easing her way back, the Lady Tams may have just found what they were missing when it matters most.
