Tolentino starts spreading wings

Rookie Jules Tolentino relished the opportunity to spread her wings with Petro Gazz.

Given the trust to orchestrate the veteran-laden squad’s offense, the De La Salle University product did not disappoint by helping Petro Gazz capture the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference crown.

Tolentino stepped up under the bright lights of the winner-take-all finals and displayed grace under pressure in steering the Angels in the right direction against a young but very formidable ZUS Coffee.

“I’m so thankful to the coaches because they trusted me to start. I’m happy that I was able to bring them to the finals (and the championship),” said Tolentino after the Angels’ title-clinching 21-25, 28-26, 25-23, 25-20, win last Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The young playmaker dished out 20 excellent sets, punctuated by the championship-winning backset to seasoned hitter Myla Pablo for the final kill. 

For Tolentino, the 11th overall pick and only selection by Petro Gazz in the last Draft, playing alongside experienced players is an ideal environment to develop her craft.

“I feel like, yeah, I’m in the right team,” Tolentino said.

In fact, even during the Draft she was praying to become an Angel to start her professional career.

“Actually, I manifested to be picked by this team before drafting, because I know that I have a lot of veteran teammates,” she said.

“And also, as a young player, I need that kind of experience. I need that kind of knowledge from my Ates. So, I really looked forward to that.”

Already with a title under her belt, the sky’s the limit for Tolentino.

And she vowed to keep the Angels flying.