By: Ohmer Bautista
Facing a struggling opponent, the Petro Gazz Angels did not let up, dismantling Motolite, 25-22, 25-18, 25-19, in the PVL Reinforced Conference Season 3, Sunday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Angels have yet to drop a set this season en route to an early solo lead in with a 3-0 slate. Moreover, they pushed Motolite to a 0-2 card.
“Yun nga ang challenge sa amin kung paano masu-sustain hanggang sa susunod na mga games,” Petro Gazz head coach Arnold Laniog said.
Already without Myla Pablo due to a back strain, Motolite missed the services of Bosnian import Edina Selimovic as she was ruled out of today’s game due to a minor knee injury.
“But given sa mga situation, every time sa mga kalaban namin parang nag-fa-favor sa amin. Like ‘yung imports namin one-hundred percent; yung first game namin against Creamline si Alyssa [Valdez] na-injured kaya ‘di sila nakatapos ng tatlong sets. Tapos ito naman wala naman ang import nila na isa,” Laniog recalled.
“Although panalo kami pero hindi pa talaga yun ang one-hundred percent nila,” he added.
Cradling a two-sets-to-none buffer, Petro Gazz let Wilma Salas loose, helping the Angels erect a comfortable 24-19 lead before unleashing a final blow.
The Cuban import exploded for 25 points built on 24 blistering spikes and an ace. Fellow guest player Janisa Johnson contributed 13 markers for the Angels, who outspiked Motolite, 45-31.
Playing as the lone reinforcement for a youth-laden team, Channon Thompson was the only Motolite in double figures with 22 points off of 16 spikes, three blocks, and three aces.
Both teams will try to propel their respective bids on Wednesday, June 5, at the same venue. The win-hungry Motolite face the BanKo Perlas Spikers; meanwhile, Petro Gazz take on Bali Pure Water Defenders in an attempt to extend their win streak to four.
