Cha Cruz-Behag returns to PVL as assistant coach of Petro Gazz

FILE–Cha Cruz-Behag. PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Cha Cruz-Behag is returning to the PVL, but this time she will take on a new role as assistant coach for the Petro Gazz Angels in their “three-peat” bid in the Reinforced Conference, which kicks off on July 16 at the Philsports Arena.

A year after her return to the PVL, but followed by the disbandment of F2 Logistics in December last year, Behag has found her way back to the pros with a new team, but in a different role.

“A new angel on the sidelines who will help the team reach new heights. Welcome, assistant coach Cha Cruz-Behag,” Petro Gazz announced on Tuesday.

Dubbed “Miss Everything” for her all-round talent as a spiker for La Salle and previous club performances, Behag will assist Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara in his mission to win the Angels a third consecutive Reinforced Conference title.

The veteran winger returned from the inaugural All-Filipino Conference last year after a five-year absence, but sat out the next two tournaments, announcing her second pregnancy.

READ: PVL: Cha Cruz-Behag, back after four years, enjoys triumphant return

The 36-year-old Behag, whose parent club F2 Logistics retired from professional volleyball last December, joins a team close to her family. Her sister Cienne Cruz played as a libero from 2018 until last year, while Camille was team manager for the past PVL seasons.

Behag will take under her wing reigning All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle, Jonah Sabete, Nicole Tiamzon, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Djanel Cheng, MJ Phillips and Remy Palma, as well as her former La Salle teammate Chie Saet and former Cargo Movers Myla Pablo, Mich Morente, Joy Dacoron and Ethan Arce.

Petro Gazz has yet to announce when it will import, but it won the last two Reinforced Conferences in 2019 with Wilma Salas and the late Janisa Johnson. Two years ago, the company successfully defended its throne with Lindsey Vander-Weide, beating Cignal in the final.

The Angels, who won a bronze medal in the All-Filipino Conference, are in Pool B with Choco Mucho, Cignal, Akari, Capital1 and ZUS Coffee.

Petro Gazz begins its three-peat campaign against ZUS Coffee, which selects Thea Gagate with the No. 1 pick in the Rookie Draft and brings Japanese striker Asaka Tamaru, on July 18 at the Philsports Arena.