Despite missing MJ Phillips, defending champion Petro Gazz still dominated newcomer ZUS Coffee, winning 25-16, 25-21, 25-21 in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena on Thursday.
The Angels were led by returning import Wilma Salas, who guided them to the 2019 Reinforced title.
They now stand at 1-0 in Pool B alongside Akari, Capital1, Cignal, and Choco Mucho.
“Today was our first game, so our performance showed that, but we have practice tomorrow to polish our game more,” said Petro Gazz head coach Koji Tsuzurabara.
The Thunderbelles threatened to equalize in the second set, taking a 21-19 lead, but Petro Gazz quickly regained control.
Jonah Sabete, Brooke Van Sickle, and Salas each contributed two points in the Angels’ six unanswered points to take a commanding 2-0 set lead.
Van Sickle then led Petro Gazz’s charge in the third set, contributing to an 8-1 run that turned a slim 8-6 advantage into a comfortable 16-7 cushion, securing the victory.
This conference, the Angels are honoring Janisa Johnson with an angel wing placed beside her No. 10 on their kits.
Johnson, a late import who alongside Salas led the team to the 2019 championship, passed away on May 24 after battling colon cancer. She was 32.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
“I am sad because of Janisa’s passing. I am dedicating this conference to her, so every point, every decision we make as a team, we can think about Janisa,” said Salas.
Van Sickle, last conference’s MVP, led Petro Gazz with 22 points from 18 attacks, three aces, and a block, along with 11 digs and six receptions.
Salas contributed 15 points from 12 spikes and 12 excellent receptions on 16 attempts.
Phillips, sidelined with a left foot injury, stated her condition is day-to-day to reporters.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
Japanese import Asaka Tamaru, formerly of Kurashiki Ablaze in past Invitationals, led the Thunderbelles with 17 points, eight receptions, and five digs.
Michelle Gamit and Jade Gentapa supported her with seven points each.
Petro Gazz will face Capital1 at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, while ZUS Coffee aims for their first win against Cignal at 2:00 PM. Both games take place at the Philsports Arena.
