PETRO Gazz recovered from a tough five-set defeat to Chery Tiggo with an emphatic bounce-back triumph over Capital1, 25-11, 25-19, 25-14, firmly positioning itself for the looming wild semifinal battle in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Tuesday.
With Brooke Van Sickle on the firing end, the Angels overwhelmed the Solar Spikers with a display firepower, teamwork and experience so evident throughout the 72-minute match.
Petro Gazz surged ahead in the first set with 16 attack points compared to Capital1’s mere three, setting the tone for their commanding victory. The Angels maintained their superiority at the net, registering seven blocks to their opponents’ two, and capitalizing on the Solar Spikers’ shaky reception, scoring nine aces while conceding only two.
Despite a spirited effort from Capital1 in the second set, Petro Gazz regrouped effectively, delivering decisive blows to halt their opponents’ momentum before re-asserting their dominance in the third frame.
The victory hiked Petro Gazz’s record to 5-2, staying within striking distance of joint leaders Creamline, Choco Mucho and PLDT, which all tote 5-1 slates.
After the Holy Week break, action resumes on April 2 with PLDT facing Akari and Choco Mucho tangling with Galeries Tower, also at the Pasig arena.
“It’s good to get a win coming off a loss, I’m really proud of my team for being able to bounce back the way we did,” said Van Sickle, who starred anew for Petro Gazz with 19 points, including 15 kills spiked by an impressive 58 percent attacking efficiency.
She emphasized the team effort, acknowledging her teammates contributions. She also commended their collective performance, recognizing the role of each player in securing the victory.
“I thought everyone did such a fantastic job,” she added.
Although facing a less experienced opponent, Petro Gazz remained focused and avoided underestimating Capital1.
“It doesn’t matter who the other team is. Capital1 is a very scrappy team. But as long as we stay focused, we can get things done,” said Van Sickle.
Jonah Sabete scored nine points while Remy Palma added seven markers and Kecelyn Galdones and setter Ivy Perez matched six-point outputs in the victory.
Coach Koji Tsuzurabara also drew a combined 13 points from five other players, including four from Myla Pablo, ensuring a balanced scoring effort while providing necessary guidance during crucial stretches in the match.
The Solar Spikers fell to 1-6 with Lourdes Clemente top-scoring with six points, Heather Guino-o finishing with five markers, and Janeca Lana and Sydney Niegos adding four points apiece.
Games on April 2
(Philsports Arena)
4 p.m. – Akari vs PLDT
6 p.m. – Galeries Tower vs Choco Mucho