Jovelyn Gonzaga and the Army Black Mamba Lady Troopers. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Jovelyn Gonzaga poured 23 points and put on the finishing touches as Army Black Mamba stunned Petro Gazz, 25-22, 25-16, 21-25, 25-23, for its first win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Thursday at San Juan Arena.
Gonzaga drilled 22 kills, including the game-winning kill, and had 23 digs to give the Lady Troopers their first in two games after fending off the Angels, led by Aiza Maizo-Pontillas’ 22-point effort in a two-hour and four-minute encounter.
The Angels threatened to force a decider after Myla Pablo and Nicole Tiamzon put Petro Gazz ahead, 21-20. Royse Tubino stopped the bleeding for Army and setter Ivy Perez fired back-to-back aces for a 23-21 advantage.
Gonzaga pushed the Lady Troopers at match point, 24-22, but Pablo saved a point. The lefty opposite spiker nailed the match-clinching kill that improved their record to 1-1 and sent the Angels to their second straight loss in as many as matches.
“We really prepared for this because we came off a tough loss. I told them we have nothing to lose so just give our best and apply our training and scouting in the past three days,” said Army assistant coach Rico De Guzman in Filipino, who called the shots with KungFu Reyes missing the game due to personal matters.
“We took advantage of Petro Gazz because they were struggling. We made sure to deliver good service since they had a hard time in receiving.”
Michelle Morente was also instrumental with 13 points and 11 excellent receptions. Perez also shone with 21 excellent sets and 10 points, off six spikes, three aces, and a block, while Tubino and Jeanette Villareal added nine markers.
Petro Gazz dropped to 0-2 with fellow winless team, Chery Tiggo, absorbing its fourth straight loss dating back to the Open Conference Finals last April.
Pontillas led the Angels with 20 spikes and two blocks including 13 digs, while Pablo had 16 markers built on 12 attacks, three blocks, and an ace.