BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Myla Pablo and Ria Meneses steered Petro Gazz to the semis after ending Sta. Lucia’s inspired run via sweep, 25-13, 25-21, 25-22 in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center on Thursday night.
Through the Angels’ victory, both Chery Tiggo and Choco Mucho have also gained their respective playoff spots joining Creamline.
“Itong game na ‘to, for this tournament para sa akin ito yung convincing game talaga namin na panalo talaga. We’re happy na nagrespond yung players doon sa game plan namin,” said Petro Gazz head coach Arnold Laniog.
After trailing early in the third set, Petro Gazz got its much-needed breather off a quick from Remy Palma that put them ahead by two, 22-20.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas scored for the Lady Realtors but Palma answered right back for the 23-21 advantage.
Jonah Sabete kept Sta. Lucia alive in the following play with a cross-court hit, but a service error from Djanel Cheng places the Angels at match-point.
A net violation from Sta. Lucia ended the match at 25-22.
“Ako happy talaga, bukod doon sa assurance ‘to, araw araw ko silang kinakausap talaga kasi hindi ko makita kung paano sila bumuhos,” Laniog said. “Sabi nga nila, gusto naman daw nilang bumuhos yung mind nila gusto pero yung katawan hindi ganon ka responsive. So sabi ko daanin natin sa focus.”
Heeding their coach’s call, Pablo poured a game-high 17 points while Meneses finished with 15 points off 10 attacks, four blocks, and an ace.
Grethcel Soltones flaunted her all-around wares with eight points, 14 excellent receptions, and 13 excellent digs.
Meanwhile, Kath Arado patrolled the floor with 18 excellent digs and six excellent receptions while Chie Saet had 26 excellent sets laced with two markers for Petro Gazz.
It was all the Angels in the opening set, though, Sta. Lucia showed more fight in the second frame.
The Lady Realtors managed to build momentum in set three, even leading by as much as five points before Pablo took over for Petro Gazz.
MJ Phillips and Sabete led the Sta. Lucia with 10 points each. The latter also tallied nine excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.
Jovie Prado, who has been consistent for the team throughout, ended with eight points while Mika Reyes was held to just five markers.
The Lady Realtors went on a 4-0 streak to salvage their semis bid before ending their maiden PVL with a 5-4 standing — good for fifth place.
Petro Gazz will end their elimination round campaign against Choco Mucho on Friday at 4:00 PM.
