Before the pandemic, captain Mendrez affirmed in an interview with Inquirer that the absence of their seniors will not be a hindrance for the UE Lady Warriors, “We’re going to help each other, the exits of Ate Judith [Abil], Ate Kath [Arado] and Ate Roselle were a big deal.”

Yet, Mendrez was left with no choice but to sign with Petro Gazz as her last playing career is nearing and the possibility of UAAP conducting its Season is remote.

Mendrez was part of Generika-Ayala Lifesavers in the Philippine Superliga (PSL) and was the ninth-best scorer in Season 81 tallying 171 total points.

Meanwhile, the middle blocker Rodriguez was with Marinerang Pilipina in the PSL before joining the Angels in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

Rodriguez is no stranger at all when it comes to outside competitions as she made her league debut in 2017 with Pocari Sweat.

Recently, Petro Gazz had to suffer losing its 5-guns in free agency; Jonah Sabete, Jeanette Panaga, Cherry Nunag, Kai Nepomuceno-Baloaloa, and Jovie Prado.

Nonetheless, the void will be filled by forces coming from the new recruits of the stalwarts of UE as well as the other players, Kath Arado and Ria Meneses.

The Angels are looking to strengthen their defense with the help of Middle blocker Meneses and national team libero, Arado.

Arado was a standout from UE where she bagged the Rookie of the Year in Season 77, Best Digger in Seasons 79 and 80, Best Receiver in Season 80, and Best Libero in Season 81.

On the other hand, Meneses was one of the UST top players and is expected to work in the middle position with Panaga and Nunag out of the lineup.

Petro Gazz will have to battle in PVL against Creamline, Choco Mucho, Perlas Spikers, Motolite, Chef’s Classics, and Balipure.