Petro Gazz regrouped after being blown out in the first set, taking the next three to down PLDT, 12-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-20, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena, Tuesday.
The Angels have now won three straight games to raise their win-loss record to 4-1 for solo third.
“The first set was no good but the second set, Jonah entered the court and changed the atmosphere for us,” said Petro Gazz head coach Koji Tsuzurabara.
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Despite being crushed in the first set, 25-12, the Angels showed that it could adjust during the game, tying the game at one set apiece with an equally dominant second period.
Then Myla Pablo and Brooke Van Sickle took charge during the late stretch of the tight third frame to give Petro Gazz the advantage.
Van Sickle then went on a heater anew in the latter stages of the fourth set while Jonah Sabete and Pablo also chipped in to turn a 17-15 count into a 25-20 clincher for the win in two hours and two minutes.
The 2024 AFC MVP led the Angels with 21 points, 12 digs, and eight receptions, while Pablo contributed 19 points on 17 attacks and two blocks.
Djanel Cheng tossed 18 excellent sets while Blove Barbon protected the floor with 14 excellent receptions.
“Lagi namang sinasabi nila na ready lang always kasi hindi nila alam kung anong position ako ilalagay. Kung saan lang mailagay, magpeperform pa rin ako,” said Sabete, who played an unfamiliar opposite position to a tee, still making 17 points.
Up next for the Angels is a face-off with the still-unbeaten Cignal HD Spikers on Saturday, still at the Pasig venue.
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This Petro Gazz victory also sent PLDT to its second straight loss, dropping the High Speed Hitters to 3-2 at fifth heading into the league’s holiday break.
Savi Davison was a one-man army for the High Speed Hitters with 28 points, 12 receptions, and nine digs as none of her teammates reached double figures.
PLDT will resume play on January 18, 2025 against Akari – their first encounter since their controversial semifinals matchup last Reinforced Conference.
