BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — The 1-2 punch of Myla Pablo and Grethcel Soltones was on full display as Petro Gazz handed PLDT its fifth-straight loss, 25-12, 20-25, 25-21, 25-20, for its third win in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference, Tuesday night at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center here.
After starting the fourth set with a 7-1 blitz, the Angels found themselves with just a one-point lead, 16-15, at the second technical timeout.
Petro Gazz found its much-needed separation through a five-point cushion, 21-16, thanks to Soltones and Pablo.
PLDT trimmed the lead to three, 20-23, before an attack error from Eli Soyud put the Angels at match-point.
Ria Meneses sealed the 25-20 fourth set win with a running attack.
“Credit talaga sa kanila [PLDT] kasi all the way, parang nothing to lose. Lumaban talaga,” said Petro Gazz head coach Arnold Laniog. “Sa part namin, talagang nagkukulang lang din ‘yung mga players ko na minsan nakakaligtaan gampanan ‘yung roles nila. Coming [off] doon sa first set, medyo naging complacent na nung second set.”
Pablo unloaded 24 points off 21 attacks and three blocks. Meneses followed suit with 16 markers built on 12 attacks and four rejections.
On the other hand, Soltones collected 10 points, 15 excellent digs, and 14 excellent receptions.
Petro Gazz setter Chie Saet dished 28 excellent sets and converted one point. On the other hand, defensive ace Kath Arado had 23 excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions.
The Angels tied Chery Tiggo at the second spot with identical 3-1 standings.
Ria Meneses and Myla Pablo stormed PLDT as soon as the first set opened, leading Petro Gazz to a lopsided 25-12 win. They drew first blood in the match before the Power Hitters evened the scores at one-all through a 25-20 performance in the second frame.
Looking to finish what they started, the Angels bucked a late rally from the Power Hitters in the fourth set, 25-21, for a 2-1 advantage.
“Talagang gustong kunin ng PLDT eh. Hanggang third set mararamdaman mo talaga, ultimo hanggang fourth set talagang gusto nilang lumaban. So ‘yun, respeto rin talaga. Buti na control namin hanggang dulo,” he added.
Isa Molde led PLDT with 12 points off nine attacks and three blocks. Toni Basas chipped in 10 markers as the Power Hitters remained at the last spot with a 0-5 slate.
Petro Gazz will take on Perlas next on Friday at 4:00 PM. Meanwhile, PLDT looks to enter the win column against Black Mamba-Army on Thursday at 6:00 PM.
