PVL: Petro Gazz fends off Nxled for 3-0 start

MANILA, Philippines — Petro Gazz withstood the tough challenge from Nxled, 25-23, 25-21, 25-22, to stay unbeaten in three games and tighten its hold of the lead 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas put on the finishing touches to deny the gallant stand of the Chameleons in their one-hour and 36-minute showdown before a highly appreciative crowd of 3,275 in Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.

Pontillas led the Angels with 15 points, while outside spikers Grethcel Soltones and Jonah Sabete had 11 and 10 points, respectively. 

Djanel Cheng anchored Petro Gazz’s offense with 10 excellent sets on top of five points while Remy Palma and Ranya Musa added nine and six points, respectively. Libero BLove Barbon protected the floor with 13 digs and four excellent receptions.

“We expected Nxled to put up a good fight. They have a good system and good coach,” said Petro Gazz assistant mentor Stephen Patrona, who took over for head coach Timmy Sto. Tomas. “But we did come into this match well-prepared and the team’s experience showed in the end.”

“This is a very big win for us since our next games will be against tough teams,” he added.

Petro Gazz eyes its fourth win against F2 Logistics on November 2 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The Chameleons absorbed their second straight loss and fell to a 1-2 record.

Nxled banked on Lycha Ebon and Cams Victoria, who had 10 points each. Jho Maraguinot and May Luna had nine markers each.