Petro Gazz showcased its deep lineup to open the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference with a 25-12, 25-20, 25-12 win over newcomer Strong Group on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
After receiving a 25-12 whipping in the first set, the Athletics were in the game late in the second, just behind 20-23 but Angels’ Nicole Tiamzon and Myla Pablo came through with back-to-back attacks for the commanding 2-0 lead.
Then the hits never stopped for Petro Gazz, cruising to a 10-2 advantage in the third stanza en route to the quick victory in just 68 minutes.
“This time we had no information for the other team so I don’t know but I said to my players don’t take off their guard,” said Angels head coach Koji Tsuzurabara.
Nicole Tiamzon led the barrage for Petro Gazz with 15 points on 13 spikes and two service aces while Filipino-American Brooke Van Sickle delivered seven points and 10 digs in her debut.
Marian Buitre also added eight points for the Angels as all 14 players with the exclusion of the two liberos scored at least a points in the match.
Strong Group captain Dolly Verzosa led her team with six points while Jan Cane chipped in four points.
The Angels even committed errors than the Athletics, 27-21.
“I felt we’re a little tense, not really flowing as well. Probably first game jitters a little bit but it’s still really good to start PVL with a win,” said Van Sickle.
Petro Gazz will shoot for 2-0 next Tuesday against Choco Mucho at 6 p.m. still at the Pasig venue.
Strong Group will aim for its first win on Saturday against Chery Tiggo at the SMART Araneta Coliseum at 2 p.m.
