BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Petro Gazz clinched bronze in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference after taking Game Two against Choco Mucho 25-20, 25-18, 25-21 here at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center, Thursday.
Jerrili Malabanan converted a cross-court hit to give the Angels a 24-20 advantage in the third set.
Arianna Angustia answered back with a quick to trim Petro Gazz’s lead to three before Myla Pablo ended the match.
“Worth it lahat ng sakripisyo and yung mga paghihirap ng mga players or as a team,” expressed Petro Gazz head coach Arnold Laniog.
Myla Pablo was the sole double-digit scorer in the match with 16 points on 14 attacks and two aces for Petro Gazz.
Grethcel Soltones added six markers while Seth Rodriguez and Ces Molina added six and five points, respectively.
Kath Arado manned the floor with 12 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions
Choco Mucho, who opted to rest its starters in the Game Two bout, showed grit in the opening set — leading by as much as four points, 18-14, off of a Kim Gequillana kill.
That seemed to be the last of it as Petro Gazz stepped on the gas to overtake the Rebisco-backed squad in the first set, before going full blast in the second.
“From doon sa bubble training namin going here tapos yung one month talaga na nandito kami iba yung experience talaga, emotionally macha-challenge ka mentally,” he added.
Caitlyn Viray top-scored for Choco Mucho with nine points while Nechole Ebuen had seven markers.
Kim Gequillana had an all-around outing with five points, 15 receptions, and nine digs.
The Flying Titans suffered a huge blow in Game One last Wednesday after team captain Maddie Madayag went down with an left knee injury. She was not in attendance in Game Two.
Choco Mucho — who honored the injured Madayag by writing the number seven on their mueller tapes — finished the tournament at fourth place.
