Petro Gazz overcame a tough challenge from the also-ran Farm Fresh, winning 25-22, 19-25, 25-16, 26-24, and snapping its four-game losing streak in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday.
The Angels, who started the tournament with a 4-0 record, finally returned to the win column.
They now have a 5-4 slate after suffering successive losses against Chery Tiggo, Creamline, Cignal, and Choco Mucho – all of which are currently in the top four of the standings.
“First, I’m very happy that we were able to win the game. Knowing that this is a very crucial game for us lalo na if we want to keep our semifinals hopes alive,” said Petro Gazz head coach Timmy Sto. Tomas.
“So kailangan talaga namin ‘tong trabahuhin. At least ‘yon, medyo happy naman kami kasi nanalo kami at nakagalaw kami ng medyo maayos sa loob ng court today,” he added.
With the Foxies threatening to send the game to a fifth set, Jonah Sabete and Grethcel Soltones each contributed a point in a 3-0 swing.
That then broke a 21-all deadlock and turned it into a 23-21 advantage.
Soltones, however, committed a net violation afterwards, while Alyssa Bertolano delivered an ace that cut the lead to one. Djanel Cheng then committed a double-contact violation which put Farm Fresh at set point.
The Foxies failed to take advantage of Cheng’s crucial error as Kate Santiago’s attack sailed out, sending the game to a deuce.
Soltones followed it up with a push before scoring through the block to finally end the game.
“Yun nga, like I’ve said earlier, it’s more of motivation for us to keep on performing well. Yun nga, given that medyo mabibigat yung mga nakalaban namin these past few games so those teams only kept us moving forward,” added Sto. Tomas.
Sabete powered through for the Angels with 21 points on 16 attacks, three aces, and two kill blocks along with 10 excellent digs.
Meanwhile, Soltones backstopped her with 16 points laced with 12 excellent receptions after an hour and 45 minutes of action.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas chipped in 13 points along with 12 excellent receptions.
Marian Buitre and Kecelyn Galdones, who filled in for the injured Ranya Musa, had 10 points each in the team’s bounce-back victory.
Cheng tossed 22 excellent sets to go along with three points while Baby Love Barbon had 10 excellent digs.
Petro Gazz must win its next two matches starting on Saturday against Akari to have a chance of making it to the semifinals.
On the other hand, the Foxies, who were coming off their first-ever victory in the PVL against Gerflor, dropped to 1-8 in the standings.
Trisha Tubu once again led the way with 20 points on 18 attacks, an ace, and a block to go along with nine excellent digs.
Meanwhile, the pair of Rizza Cruz and Zamantha Nolasco had 11 markers each in the loss.
Farm Fresh will take on Galeries Tower on Tuesday at 2:00 PM.
