Despite leading Petro Gazz to a dominant bounce-back victory, import Gia Day remains steadfast in forming better chemistry as they advance to the quarterfinals of the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League.
Following a tough four-set loss to Kaohsiung Taipower in their tournament opener, the Day-led Angels responded emphatically with a 25-8, 25-12, 25-12 sweep of Hip Hing. The win secured them the second seed in Pool B with a 1-1 record, earning a ticket to the next round.
Day emphasized that refining her passing and maintaining self-confidence are her top priorities moving forward, especially as she aims to guide Petro Gazz deeper into the tournament.
“I think I can, personally, I can pass a little bit better so that we can run our whole offense. I think that’s number one,” said the 26-year-old American outside hitter in the post-game press conference.
“Number two, just staying confident because sometimes, I’m really hard on myself so I’ll accept the positivity from my team and not get so down on myself. So I’ll accept the positivity from my team and not get so down on myself. Those are the two main things I’m gonna try my best for next game.”
(C) PVL Images
A product of Baylor University, Day was the only player to score in double digits in the match, finishing with 18 points — all off attacks — while also contributing eight excellent digs and three superb receptions, anchoring Petro Gazz on both ends of the floor.
Despite her standout showing, Day humbly admitted she still sees areas for improvement in her game.
“I’m also a little disappointed with myself today. I did some messy things that I can clean up. I’m kind of always analyzing each day after and expecting the most out of myself,” she reflected.
Still, she finds reassurance in the support system around her. Day shared that while she places high expectations on herself, her teammates and head coach Koji Tsuzurabara never burden her with undue pressure — something she deeply appreciates.
“Like they have put no stress on me, no pressure. They’ve made this so much fun, so all of the pressure comes from myself. Not outside, not from my team, not even from the coach. He hasn’t said one, like, demanding thing to me, which is to me strange, but I’m so, so thankful from each and every one of them,” she said.
“They helped me a lot, enjoying this with them, being in the moment, seeing like what Brooke said, great volleyball around me. There’s little things… And throughout life you’ll always have expectations — as a mom, as a boss, as a worker — but you just have to be in the moment and enjoy the little things. So I think that’s a secret.”
#WATCH: The Petro Gazz Angels soar with much-needed momentum just in time for their #AVCChampionsLeague battle against Baic 🏐
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/AFXijNkmo7
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 22, 2025
