By Abby Toralba
REELING from a series of heartbreaks, Petro Gazz finally prevailed yesterday, scoring a 25-22, 19-25, 25-15, 26-24 victory over Farm Fresh to keep alive hopes for a backdoor charge to the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena.
Veteran open spiker Jonah Sabete had a game-high 21 points, 16 off attacks, three blocks, two service aces, and 10 digs as the Angels improved to 5-4 while handing Farm Fresh its eighth loss in nine outings.
Open hitter Grethcel Soltones chipped in 16 markers and 12 excellent receptions, opposite spiker Aiza Pontillas finished with 13 points and 12 excellent receptions while middle blockers Marian Buitre and KC Galdones combined for 20 markers.
Coach Timmy Sto. Tomas was satisfied with the win, acknowledging the significance of the match that kept them in the hunt for the last semis seat in the season-ending conference organized by Sports Vision.
“First, I’m very happy that we were able to win,” said Sto. Tomas. “Knowing that this is a very crucial game for us, lalo na if we want to keep our semifinals hopes alive, so kailangan talaga namin ‘tong trabahuhin. At least ‘yon, medyo happy naman kami kasi nanalo kami at nakagalaw kami ng medyo maayos sa loob ng court today.”
Despite the victory, Petro Gazz stayed in sixth, still far behind the joint second running Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo, which tote identical 6-1 slates, and No. 4 Cignal, which has a 6-2 mark, with two games left in the Angels’ eliminations schedule.
Creamline remains on top with a 7-0 slate.
