Petro Gazz scored a bounce-back win against F2 Logistics in three sets, 25-23, 25-13, 25-23, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena on Thursday night.
MJ Phillips fired 13 points on nine attacks, two blocks, and two aces. Meanwhile, Jonah Sabete had 13 points as well – all on attacks – to go along with eight excellent receptions for the Angels.
Petro Gazz moved to 3-2 in the standings, tied with Chery Tiggo in the fourth spot.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas tallied 11 points and 10 excellent digs, while Grethcel Soltones chipped in 10 points and eight excellent receptions.
“What I told my players is to end it right. So sometimes we start right and then we don’t end it right. Most of the time we doubt ourselves so I told them to just believe,” said Petro Gazz head coach Oliver Almadro.
After a tight first set, the Angels took a lopsided second frame to take a quick 2-0 advantage. Then the Cargo Movers put up a fight in the third set and threatened to extend the game to four sets.
Elaine Kasilag and Kim Fajardo scored an off-the-block hit and an ace, respectively, to take a slim 23-22 advantage in the third. However, Soltones took over and cashed in on two consecutive attacks to push Petro Gazz to match point. Phillips then ended the game with a block on Kasilag.
“I also told them to put up the intensity because if F2 puts up the intensity, it’s really hard to match them. So I just want them to match the intensity of F2 and see where we’ll end so ayun nga, medyo naka-isa kami sa kanila,” added Almadro.
Kianna Dy was the lone bright spot for the Cargo Movers with 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks. Aby Marano, Myla Pablo, and Kasilag had six points apiece.
F2 Logistics slipped to 4-2 at the third spot.
Petro Gazz will face Army-Black Mamba on Saturday at 4:00 PM (Filoil EcoOil Centre). On the other hand, F2 Logistics looks to bounce back against Choco Mucho on Tuesday at 6:30 PM (Philsports Arena).
