Petro Gazz Angels strengthen defense with the return of libero Bang Pineda

The Petro Gazz Angels have received a major boost midway through the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour offseason tournament after management confirmed that veteran libero Bang Pineda has signed with the franchise.

Petro Gazz announced Pineda’s return on its various social media platforms, stating, “Another chapter begins with a familiar spark. Welcome back to where you belong, Bang Pineda.”

Pineda returns to Petro Gazz after spending two years with the Akari Chargers/Nxled Chameleons. She most notably left the Angels after their All-Filipino Conference triumph. The 34-year-old last played for Petro Gazz in the 2022 PVL Reinforced Conference, which was their most recent championship before winning the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino Conference three months ago.

BANG’S BACK ⛽️

Petro Gazz welcomes back champion libero Bang Pineda, who was part of the team’s 2022 Reinforced Conference title-winning roster.#PVL2025 #PVLonTour @spinph pic.twitter.com/sZTNZ9F5s9

— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) July 28, 2025

The libero spent 19 months with Akari, after which she was transferred to sister team Nxled in July 2024 in a controversial trade. Pineda played one year with the Chameleons, eventually leaving them in May 2025.

Her arrival is a significant boost for the Petro Gazz franchise, which has been hit by key departures in recent weeks, including veteran spiker Mich Morente and rookie Donnalyn Paralejas, who both left the team on Sunday, July 27.

However, the biggest blow came with the sudden resignation of Japanese head coach Koji Tsuzurabara midway through the ongoing PVL On Tour. The tactician has yet to provide a proper explanation for his departure.

Pineda will undoubtedly bring leadership and experience both on and off the court, and her presence is expected to bolster the backline. She has a task ahead of her, as the Angels have struggled in the ongoing PVL On Tour preseason tournament, currently holding a 1–3 win-loss record.

They will aim to improve their standings in their final pool game against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on July 29 at the Candon City Arena.

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