CANDON, ILOCOS SUR – Petro Gazz handed interim head coach Brian Esquibel a victorious debut after rallying from a set down to defeat Choco Mucho, 20-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-17, and secure a spot in the knockout round of the 2025 PVL On Tour on Tuesday night at the Candon City Arena here.
The Flying Titans seemed to have gained momentum midway through the fourth set, building a 15-12 lead as the Angels faltered with a string of errors.
But Petro Gazz remained composed, with Ranya Musa, AA Adolfo, and Myla Pablo leading an eight-point surge — fueled in part by Choco Mucho’s own miscues — to turn the tide and take a 20-15 advantage.
Jen Villegas and Royse Tubino tried to keep Choco Mucho alive with back-to-back hits to trim the gap to 17-20. However, Pablo and Nicole Tiamzon combined forces in the clutch, scoring the last five points to seal the win in two hours.
(C) PVL Images
“Actually, dahil sa mga player talaga ito eh kasi nagtulong-tulong talaga kahit mahabang rally kami ang nakakakuha ng puntos dahil hindi sila bumibigay. Nandoon pa rin yung pusong kampeon ng mga bata,” said Esquibel after the match.
The Angels, who parted ways with former head coach Koji Tsuzurabara just last week, snapped a three-game losing streak to finish fourth in Pool A with a 2-3 record.
Pablo led the way for Petro Gazz with 23 points and 16 excellent receptions. This time, though, she had plenty of support from her teammates.
Tiamzon, who checked in late in the first set after Jonah Sabete suffered cramps, delivered 16 points and 12 digs. Musa and veteran Aiza Pontillas added 10 points each.
Bang Pineda also made her return to the Petro Gazz lineup after a stint with the Akari Chargers, contributing 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions while sharing libero duties with Jellie Tempiatura.
Petro Gazz is set to face Akari in a do-or-die knockout match next Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, with the winner earning the final quarterfinal ticket from Pool A.
PLDT (5-0) and Nxled (4-1) have already secured outright quarterfinal spots after finishing first and second in the group.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Choco Mucho continued its downward spiral, suffering a fourth consecutive loss to drop to 1-4 and settle at fifth place in Pool A.
Despite the loss, Cherry Nunag put up a strong performance with 17 points on 11 attacks, four blocks, and two aces. Ayesha Juegos chipped in 16 points and 11 digs, while Tubino added 13 points.
Thang Ponce anchored the defense with 27 excellent digs and 22 excellent receptions.
The Flying Titans still have a chance to reach the quarterfinals when they face ZUS Coffee in a knockout clash next Tuesday.
