Petro Gazz displayed its strength against the new squad Galeries Tower, winning 25-11, 26-24, 25-22 in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday.
Newly-appointed Angels head coach Timmy Sto. Tomas had a successful debut as the Angels demonstrated their composure and championship experience against the Highrisers.
“Syempre yung pressure is always there so swerte ako kasi I’m back with these kinds of players sila Nang (Pontillas), sila Grethcel (Soltones), sila Mommy Chie (Saet), so the whole bunch is very supportive of one another and yung culture namin sa team ayun nga, sobrang gaan,” said the first-year head coach, who also handles Ateneo’s men’s volleyball team.
After easily winning the opening set, Petro Gazz faced more resistance from Galeries Tower in the second frame. The Highrisers threatened to even the score after Dimdim Pacres scored through the block to send it to a deuce at 24-all.
However, Carly Hernandez’s service error and a running attack by Ranya Musa allowed the former PVL champions to take a 2-0 lead.
The Angels thwarted a late run by the Highrisers in the third set and secured their first win in the season-ending conference.
“I’m very happy that we were able to get the win despite having difficulties during the second to the third set of the game. Masaya ako kasi kahit papaano, nakabawi yung girls, nakabawi yung team. They were able to step up during the latter part of the match,” added Sto. Tomas.
Grethcel Soltones led Petro Gazz with 19 points, including 17 attacks, an ace, and a block, along with 14 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions. Pontillas added 10 points, while Jonah Sabete and KC Galdones each contributed seven points in the victory, which lasted for an hour and 34 minutes.
The Angels dominated above the net, registering 10 blocks compared to Galeries Tower’s one, with Sabete and Galdones each contributing three.
Petro Gazz will travel to Batangas on Saturday to face Gerflor at 5:00 p.m.
No player from Galeries Tower reached double digits in scoring, with Audrey Paran leading the way with eight points, while Roma Doromal, Norielle Ipac, and Anne Esguerra all scored seven points.
Galeries Tower will seek their first win against Chery Tiggo on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
