The Petro Gazz Angels finally broke through in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference with a four-set win, 19-25, 25-14, 25-23, 25-14, over the semifinals-bound Cignal HD Spikers at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Tuesday, July 26.
Although it came a game too late in terms of playoff contention, the win is nonetheless a welcome sight for the also-ran Petro Gazz side which remains in the cellar with a 1-4 record, just one conference after reaching the 2022 Open finals.
Veteran setter Chie Saet steered the offense with 26 excellent sets, and helped four teammates breach double-digit scoring – led by 19 points, 12 excellent digs, and 12 excellent receptions from fellow vet Aiza Maizo-Pontillas.
Rem Palma scored 17 off 10 attacks, 4 aces, and 3 blocks, while MJ Phillips and Nicole Tiamzon added 15 and 13 points, respectively.
As Petro Gazz was having its way in its second set comeback with a huge 22-13 lead, further misfortune headed Cignal’s way as top scorer Ces Molina went down with an apparent right ankle sprain following a block attempt on a Pontillas attack.
Although the HD Spikers soldiered on in the third for a late 23-22 lead, the Angels soared past with a pivotal 3-0 spurt, capped by an errant Kla Abriam attack to gift Petro Gazz a 2-1 lead.
This was the turnaround the Angels needed as Cignal’s defenses completely fell apart in the fourth to allow a 16-6 Petro Gazz start that eventually peaked with a 12-point gap, 21-9.
Only star blocker Ria Meneses breached double figures over on the losing side with 10 points, while Rachel Anne Daquis and Angeli Araneta each scored 8. Molina led the offense with 7 points before going down and missing the latter two sets.
Prior to the game, the HD Spikers also lost key cogs Roselyn Doria, Glaudine Troncoso, and Ayel Estrañero to undisclosed reasons.
