Grethcel Soltones powered Petro Gazz to its third consecutive victory by defeating F2 Logistics in a thrilling five-set match, with scores of 20-25, 25-22, 25-12, 33-35, 15-9, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Soltones displayed an outstanding performance, setting a new career-high in the PVL with 31 points, consisting of 26 powerful attacks, four solid blocks, and a precise ace.
After three hours and 13 minutes of intense action, her remarkable contribution led the Angels to a 3-1 standing in Group B.
“Yun nga, I credit the players. Si Grethcel [Soltones] siya yung nagpapacalm kanina sa bawat isa e so yung maturity ni Grethcel, habang tumatagal, mas nagmamature pa siya lalo” said Petro Gazz head coach Oliver Almadro.
After a 51-minute fourth set, the Cargo Movers and the Angels figured in another marathon in the fifth set after a officials deliberated on an F2 Logistics rotation error which tied the scores at 6-all.
Kianna Dy and Aby Maraño eventually gave the lead back to the Cargo Movers, 9-8, but things started to spiral down for F2 Logistics after that as Soltones fired three points in a pivotal 5-0 blast that put the Angels ahead, 13-9.
Soltones was called for a net violation but Petro Gazz challenged the officials decision which resulted into an inconclusive challenge.
The Angels once again called another challenge, this time a foot fault on Ivy Lacsina which was ruled as successful. Soltones then ended the game with a crosscourt kill.
Petro Gazz actually had the chance to secure the game in four sets but the Cargo Movers managed to save five match points before Remy Palma and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas committed consecutive attack errors which extended the game to a fifth set.
“First, I’ve been telling my players that people will count as out. But sabi ko sa kanila, everything comes together for good,” said Almadro.
“So all I’m telling them kanina nung nag-fourth set, nag-fifth set, sabi ko this is the Lord’s battle so there’s nothing to worry about kasi pinaghandaan niyo na ‘to, nag-prepare na kayo,” he added.
Jonah Sabete contributed 20 points, while Maizo-Pontillas and Palma added 15 and 12 points, respectively, for the Angels. Rookie KC Galdones played a significant role with four blocks, finishing with six points. Djanel Cheng showcased excellent setting skills with 17 excellent sets, while Cienne Cruz recorded 23 excellent receptions and 19 excellent digs.
On the other hand, the Cargo Movers suffered their first loss in four matches. Majoy Baron and Ivy Lacsina led the way for F2 Logistics with 16 and 15 points, respectively.
Petro Gazz will face Choco Mucho on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., while F2 Logistics aims to bounce back against Foton on Tuesday at 12:00 p.m., both at the same Pasig venue.
