THE Petro Gazz Angels swept Farm Fresh in three sets, 25-21, 31-29, 25-17, to move closer to a semifinals berth in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, Metro Manila, on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.
It was the Angels’ second straight victory, thereby assuring themselves of a share of second place with Group B leaders Choco Mucho and F2 Logistics, both of whom carry 2-0 slates.
Petro Gazz dominated all the scoring and non-scoring skills, but the Angels were still dragged into a close, frenzied battle in the first two sets due to their errant plays, enabling the young Foxies to take command late in the second frame before succumbing to Petro Gazz’s superb blocking and their own attack error in the end.
“They lost their timing because of their willingness and eagerness to make a point -- and win -- right away,” said Petro Gazz coach Oliver Almadro, ruing his wards’ 21 glaring errors in the first two sets.
“But I’m happy how they performed overall.”
Cebuana ace Grethcel Soltones and Aiza Pontillas topscored for Petro Gazz with 16 and 15 points, respectively, while Nicole Tiamzon backed them up with eight markers and Kecelyn Galdones stepped up in the absence of middle MJ Phillips, who left for the Korean league, and added six points, matching Remy Palma’s output. (JNP)