Petro Gazz finally halted its three-game slump by defeating Choco Mucho in straight sets, 25-18, 25-21, 25-18, to end the first round of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on a high note on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Despite moving to 2-3, the Angels finished fourth in Pool B and will face the top three teams from Pool A in the crossover second round.
“I feel very happy because we needed this win. This game was very important for Petro Gazz, and we took it. I feel satisfied about it. I think this is the start for Petro Gazz,” said Angels’ import Wilma Salas, who contributed 18 points with 50 percent attack efficiency and 18 excellent receptions.
Just as they did in the second set, the Angels controlled the third set by establishing a significant lead midway through, thanks to the efforts of Myla Pablo and Wilma Salas, 16-9, en route to their skid-breaking victory.
Petro Gazz is also back to full strength, with the exception of middle blockers MJ Phillips and KC Galdones, as Djanel Cheng and Jonah Sabete contributed off the bench.
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Brooke Van Sickle supported Salas with 17 points and 12 digs, while Myla Pablo started and delivered with 11 points.
Chie Saet also started as the playmaker and ended up with 15 excellent sets, seven excellent digs, and four points.
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Dindin Manabat was the lone bright spot for Choco Mucho with 13 points, while Greek reinforcement Zoi Faki was limited to just three points and was benched in the third set.
The Flying Titans ended the first round with a 1-4 record, their only win coming against the winless ZUS Coffee. They will face a similar path to the Angels in the next round.
