LIPA CITY, BATANGAS — Petro Gazz claimed third place in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation after taking down Tuguegarao Perlas, 25-11, 26-24, 19-25, 25-20 at the Aquamarine Recreational Center here on Thursday.
The Angels, who were coming off a tough loss to California Precision Sports yesterday, ended the tournament with a 3-2 standing – good for third.
“Kung sa expectation namin, talagang ‘di namin na-reach yung goal namin,” said Petro Gazz head coach Arnold Laniog.
“Doon medyo nakaka-disappoint. Pero ayun nga, in reality on paper ‘yung grupo namin matibay, pero conditioning-wise saka… Kumbaga hindi talaga total package na bago nag-start ‘yung pandemic na ganun sila eh. Hindi pa talaga,” he added.
Already on its way to secure a sweep, Petro Gazz crumbled in the third. That gave the Perlas Spikers a chance to force a fifth set.
The Angels, though, made sure to douse off their opponents through a hot 11-4 run in the fourth frame.
Tuguegarao tried to come back with Nicole Tiamzon and Heather Guino-o in the lead. Petro Gazz, though, managed to extend its lead to 10, 22-12, off a Jessey De Leon ace.
Tiamzon led a quick 6-1 rally to slice the lead to just five, 18-23. Then Ria Meneses ended the drought with a quick to put the Angels at match-point.
Guino-o and Tiamzon delivered consecutive blows for the Perlas Spikers. Meneses afterwards won a joust against Czarina Carandang to end the match.
Leading the charge in Petro Gazz’s bounce-back win was Meneses with 19 points.
Ces Molina followed suit with 14 points and nine digs. Grethcel Soltones and De Leon chipped in 11 and 10, respectively.
Meanwhile, Petro Gazz setter Chie Saet collected 25 sets while Kath Arado ended with 19 digs and 17 receptions.
Tuguegarao (2-3) capped off the PNVF Champions League at fourth place.
Guino-o led Perlas with 16 points while Tiamzon and Mich Morente each had 13.
