By: Ohmer Bautista
Fielding a beefed-up lineup with a new strategist at the helm, the Petro Gazz Angels pulled the upset rug from underneath reigning champions Creamline Cool Smashers in straight sets, 25-22, 26-24, 25-22, in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference Season 3, Sunday evening at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Petro Gazz, who finished fifth in the previous edition of the import-laden tourney, were neck-and-neck against the Alyssa Valdez-led Cool Smashers in the opening set.
This was a sign of what Petro Gazz has to offer this season. The acquisition of former Bali Pure import Janisa Johnson, newcomer Wilma Salas, and Jeanette Panaga have given them a pedigree where they can go toe-to-toe with the defending champs.
As PetroGazz took a one-to-none lead, both team was still evenly match in the second set. However, tied 16-all in that set, disaster struck when Cool Smashers team captain Alyssa Valdez slipped and fell hard.
“Luckily, the result favored our team. Pero ayaw nating may masaktan na players like what happened kay Alyssa kanina, ‘di natin in-expect and sana ‘wag na maulit,” PetroGazz head coach Arnold Laniog said. “But sa ganoong situation, mas nag-favor sa amin. Although nagpasok sila ng local na si Galanza na nag-contribute naman, pero iba pa rin yung Alyssa Valdez.”
Valdez was taken out of the game, causing the scale to tilt heavily towards the Petro Gazz side and granting them a two-sets-to-none advantage. As the Angels smell blood, they ran roughshod over Creamline, erecting a 23-21 cushion in the third set courtesy of a Johnson kill.
The Cool Smashers tried to stop the bleeding, but a Panaga kill before a Johnson off-the-block hit sealed the emphatic sweep.
Salas, a 6-foot-2 Cuban wing spiker, led all scorers with 20 points built on 18 spikes and two blocks. Johnson added 16 markers.
Meanwhile, Aleoscar Blanco led the Creamline attack with nine points. Valdez, who never returned in the game, managed five points.
Petro Gazz look to make it two in a row when they take on the BanKo Perlas Spikers on Wednesday, May 29, at the same venue. Meanwhile, Creamline seek to atone for their opening game defeat as they face the BaliPure Water Defenders on Wednesday as well, at the same venue.
