Jeanette Panaga and the Petro Gazz Angels notched their first win in the 2019 PVL Open Conference after stifling the still-winless Bali Pure Water Defenders in straight sets, 25-22, 25-18, 25-16, Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Panaga led all scorers with 16 points — 12 attacks and three blocks. She was also the lone double-digit for Petro Gazz, who evened their slate to 1-1.
Paneng Mercado was just a point shy of joining Panaga in the twin-digit territory. She finished with nine markers, all but a point coming from attacks.
“Coming from the last conference, alam na nila role nila na support lang sa two imports. Pero this time, we need someone na kayang mag-deliver sa mga crucial situations,” Petro Gazz head coach Arnold Laniog said.
Right from the get-go, the Angels seized control of the match, hopping into the driver’s seat and slamming on the gas. Though the Water Defenders kept pace with Petro Gazz on several occasions, the latter always had enough fuel to leave Bali Pure in their wake for a 2-0 gap in sets.
Bali Pure snatched momentum and took an 8-6 lead in the third set. But that advantage proved short-lived, as the Angels unfurled a blistering 14-3 turnaround to pull away, 20-11. Petro Gazz then continued to hit their stride to formalize the win.
Petro Gazz setter Djanel Cheng tallied 17 excellent to help her Angels generate a total of 42 attacks — the biggest differential in the match, as the Water Defenders only had 24. She also had five points and propelled eight of her teammates to chalk one up on the charts.
Jonah Sabete and Jovie Prado had seven and six markers. Cienne Cruz manned the floor with 19 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
On the other hand, Grazielle Bombita carried the load for her Bali Pure with 11 markers off eight attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
Shirley Salamagos managed seven points. Menchie Tubiera and Satrriani Espiritu chipped five markers each.
The Water Defenders remain winless in their two games in the tourney.
Petro Gazz will prepare for a rematch against the Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday. Meanwhile, Bali Pure take on the Air Force Lady Jet Spikers on Wednesday. Both games will be played at the same venue.
