Fresh off an international campaign in Taiwan, the Petro Gazz Angels immediately showed the fruits of their labor in a straight-set drubbing of the Chef’s Classics Red Spikers, 25-15, 25-19, 25-18, in the 2019 PVL Open Conference, Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
“May mga struggle noong umpisa. Going to this game na ito, medyo gumaganda na ang chemistry ng team. At the same time, lumalalim na yung relationship ng team inside and outside the court, especially doon sa tournament namin sa Taiwan. One week malaking bagay na magkakasama,” said Angels coach Arnold Laniog.
The Angels again leaned on the scoring exploits of Paneng Mercado and Jonah Sabete. The tandem dealt the heavy damage for Petro Gazz in the recently concluded 2019 Taichung Bank International Women’s Invitational Volleyball Tournament.
Mercado pummeled seven attacks and a pair of service aces en route to a game-high 11 points. Sabete — who turned heads in Taiwan with 25 points in one of their matches overseas — also had 11 of her own, three from kill blocks.
Jovelyn Prado supplied nine points and 14 excellent digs. Jeanette Panaga chipped in six points, while Kai Baloaloa and Cherry Nunag managed five markers apiece.
Chie Saet, who took the mantle of captain in the Taiwan tilt, tossed 22 excellent sets. Defensive specialist Cienne Cruz collected 14 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions to fuel the Angels’ to their fifth straight win.
Moreover, the reigning PVL Reinforced Conference champions ended their first round campaign on a positive note with a 6-2 card to tighten grip of solo second.
On the other hand, the Lady Red Spikers remained winless in 11 matches.
Maria Bangad topped Chef’s Classics with seven markers, while Bien Juanillo contributed five points. Nieza Viray was limited to just four points in the match.
Petro Gazz face the BanKo Perlas Spikers on Wednesday, September 15 at the same venue. Meanwhile, Chef’s Classics seeks to barge into the win column against Motolite on the same day.
