PVL: Petro Gazz still unbeaten with win over F2 Logistics

Petro Gazz Angels.–PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Petro Gazz overwhelmed F2 Logistics in straight sets, 25-22, 27-25, 25-14, to stay perfect in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.

The Cargo Movers were on the verge of tying the game to one set apiece when they held a 24-23 advantage in the second frame. But Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Jonah Sabete came to the rescue for the Angels saving two set points and tying the game at 25-all.

Ara Galang’s attack error put Petro Gazz ahead, 26-25, before Sabete’s crosscourt kill gave her team a two-set advantage. The Angels dominated the third with a 20-9 spread and never looked back to dispatch the Cargo Movers in one hour and 32 minutes.

“I’m really happy because the girls held their ground, especially in the second set. We were up during the early part of the set but then somewhere in the middle we had a lot of lapses. I was happy that they were able to catch up and lessen our errors. The veterans inside the court were able to hold the team together, especially in the crucial stretch,” said Petro Gazz coach Timmy Sto. Tomas in Filipino.

Petro Gazz’s Jonah Sabete.–PVL PHOTO

Petro Gazz has yet to drop a set in four games as they join the Creamline Cool Smashers on top with identical 4-0 records. But for first-time PVL coach Sto. Tomas, the eagerness of his players kept their slate clean.

“It’s more of preparation lang and how to motivate the girls because they have the drive and I’m happy to teach them because everyone’s very eager to learn and win. I think we’re on the same note, all of us want to learn and win,” he said.

Sabete and Ranya Musa led the collective effort of the Angels with 11 points each. Remy Palma and Grethcel Soltones chipped in nine points each, while Pontillas scored six markers on top of 16 digs.

Musa, a returning Angel, attributed their impressive showing to setter Djanel Cheng, who dished out 14 excellent sets and fired two aces to finish with four points.

“I trust my teammates, especially ate Djanel because she’s the setter and she drives our team. The way coach Timmy coaches us in training also helps me in improving my game,” said the middle blocker. “Our confidence also went up in the third set because we don’t want to let F2 force another tight set like they did in the second. So we tried our best [to pull away.]”

Petro Gazz takes on Chery Tiggo on Saturday at Philsports Arena before facing Creamline on November 9 at the same venue in Pasig City.

Jolina Dela Cruz was the lone bright spot for the Cargo Movers with 13 points including three aces as Ivy Lacsina was limited to eight points on a 4-of-42 spiking clip.

F2 Logistics dropped to a 2-2 record tied with Cignal. The Cargo Movers try to bounce back against Farm Fresh (0-5) on Tuesday.