PVL: Djanel Cheng leads Petro Gazz past Foton in bounce back win

Djanel Cheng and the Petro Gazz Angels in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Djanel Cheng provided brilliant plays as Petro Gazz’s balanced attack spoiled the Premier Volleyball League debut of Foton, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 25-20, in the 2023 Invitational Conference on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

After losing their first game against the Cignal HD Spikers two days ago, the Angels showed their collective effort behind the 20 excellent sets and eight points of Cheng, who was fresh from her Philippine women’s volleyball team with Aiza Maizo-Pontillas last week in the AVC Challenge Cup.

Cheng’s plays propelled Grethcel Soltones’ 17-point effort built on 14 attacks, two aces, and a block. Jonah Sabete delivered 15 points, while Pontillas and Rem Palma added 13 points each with the latter also providing 13 digs and 12 excellent receptions.

Petro Gazz Angels’ Gretchel Soltones and Aiza Maizo Pontillas. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Petro Gazz, which missed the services of MJ Phillips anew, improved to 1-1 in Pool B before taking a break, facing Farm Fresh (0-2) next on July 11 at Philsports Arena.

“Thank you and I’m happy we delivered our first win before the break. There’s a break so we just need to get momentum heading to the next games. There’s a long way to go. There’s six of us in the bracket,” said Petro Gazz coach Oliver Almadro.

The Angels and Tornadoes went toe-to-toe all game long.

Petro Gazz broke a 14-all tie in the fourth set with Soltones, Pontillas, and Sabete taking charge for a 21-18 breather.  Mary Rhose Dapol stopped the bleeding for Foton but she committed an attack error and got blocked by Palma giving their opponents a 23-19 lead.  Soltones nailed a cross-court hit followed by the game-winning ace of Palma.

Foton lost its first game in the volleyball scene since 2019, dropping to 0-1 in the stacked Pool B before facing Choco Mucho on Saturday at the same venue in San Juan.

Shaya Adorador, who also represented the country last week, led the Tornadoes with 17 points. Nene Bautista had 10 points, while setter Jasmine Nabor played through cramps and finished with 12 excellent sets and 10 points including three blocks.

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