By Abby Toralba
PETRO Gazz strengthened its semis hopes in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference yesterday after outlasting F2 Logistics 20-25, 25-22, 25-12, 33-35, 15-9 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The Angels extended their winning streak to three in Pool B, thanks to the superb performance of Grethcel Soltones who had 31 points.
Open hitter Jonah Sabete also contributed in the Angel’s victory with 20 points while Aiza Maiza-Pontillas tallied a double-double outing of 15 markers and 18 digs and Remy Palma added 12 markers.
“I’ve been telling my players that people will count us out but ang sabi ko sa kanila, everything comes together for good. Noong fourth set, then nag-fifth set, sabi ko this is the Lord’s battle, there’s nothing to worry about kasi pinaghandaan n’yo na ito, nag-prepare na kayo. We just trusted each other; we trusted the Lord for this win. I credit the players (like) Grethcel,” Petro Gazz tactician Oliver Almadro said.
“It’s a total team effort for us. Malaking factor ito para sa amin to gain the momentum and gain the trust that we need.”
The loss halted F2 Logistics’ three-game win streak as the Angels dropped into a tie with the Cargo Movers at 3-1 in Pool B.
That should give the Angels the drive and confidence they need as they go for a semis berth against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans tomorrow.
Choco Mucho dragged F2 Logistics into a long drawn-out, highly emotional battle of power, wits and nerves but blew a 14-11 lead in the fifth set, leading to the Cargo Movers’ victory late Tuesday.
Middle blocker Majoy Baron led the Cargo Movers with 16 points, Ivy Lacsina fired 15, while Kianna Dy and Jolina Dela Cruz combined for 22 markers.
Earlier, Chery Tiggo won anew, blanking Gerflor Defenders in straight sets 25-19, 25-20, 25-18 in Pool A action.
Skipper Mylene Paat starred for the Crossovers, who bolstered their chances to make it to the semis with a 2-1 record, with 15 points, while Pauline Gaston, Cza Carandang and EJ Laure had seven markers each.
“Masayang-masaya kami sa nilaro ng mga players. Definitely, there’s still a lot of things that we have to improve on,” said Chery Tiggo mentor Aaron Velez.
“Kailangang maging mabilis iyong start namin. I think that’s one thing that we have to pick up and I like the fact that everybody was able to step up. Kailangang i-workout pa iyong chemistry namin, iyong communication naming, para mas maging smooth for our next match,” Velez added.
