Angels make push to claim ‘realistic’ Final Four target

Petro Gazz Angels in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO

Oliver Almadro is going on his third month calling the shots for Petro Gazz. And he has no qualms saying that he is pleased with what he and his team have achieved together in such a short time.

“I am pleased and happy that they are responding to me,” Almadro told the Inquirer over the phone Friday after preparing his Angels for a clash with Army in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference eliminations where a win could send Petro Gazz closer to its “realistic target.”

“The players just have to believe in themselves. This is a champion team,” Almadro went on. “They always find ways to win with what we have. They perform with teamwork, character and pride. And I am so happy with that.”

The Angels take on the Lady Troopers in the 4 p.m. game at FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan, aiming to stay in at least a tie for fourth spot with Cherry Tiggo, which battles Akari in the 6:30 p.m. game.

Both games carry playoff implications for the Angels and the Crossovers, who will trail the pacesetters with a loss and possible bid a semifinal berth goodbye.

As things stand, Creamline leads the pack with a 5-1 card, with PLDT second at 4-1 and F2 Logistics third at 4-2. Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo have 3-2 records heading into the final half of classification and Almadro is confident that his Angels have what it takes.

“In a positive manner, I am looking at us making at least the semifinals,” he said. “That’s the realistic target—Final Four first and then see if we can make the title series.

“But it won’t come without us working hard for it. And if we make the finals, it will be even more hard work for us.”

While Army scrambles to get a first win, Petro Gazz is brimming with confidence after a straight-set victory over F2 Logistics the other night where MJ Phillips, Jonah Sabete, Aiza Pontillas, Grethcel Soltones, Remy Palma, Djanel Cheng and Arielle Cruz shone.

After taking on the Lady Troopers, the Angels battle the Chargers on March 9 and the Crossovers on March 14 when the league holds its first out-of-town games in the season in Iloilo City.