PVL: Petro Gazz rues ‘officiating lapses’ in loss to Creamline

Petro Gazz Angels talk to first referee Bobby Celso during a PVL semifinals game against the Creamline Cool Smashers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Petro Gazz expressed its frustration over the crucial calls in a loss to Creamline in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

The Angels lamented the “officiating lapses” in their 27-25, 23-25, 27-25, 26-24 defeat at the hands of the defending champion Cool Smashers.

“Much of the reaction by netizens on social media was due to what some perceive as controversial calls or non-calls at the end of 3rd Set, with the most significant moment being the spike of Alyssa Valdez over the block of Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and MJ Phillips,” the team said in a statement on Friday. “While the First Referee initially called the spike out and signaled a point for Petro Gazz, he would reverse his call and give the point to Creamline due to the Linesman indicating that a touch on the ball was made by one of the Angels.”

SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals 2024

“The reversal of the call caused an uproar among the fans in Philsports and from the players and coaches of Petro Gazz who protested the reversal.”

Tied at 25-all in the third set, Valdez’s spike over MJ Phillips and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas went out. The first referee, initially, awarded the point to Petro Gazz. However, he overturned his call after a linesman signaled a ball touch, giving Creamline a 26-25. 

The Angels had no video challenges left but complained about the call with Pontillas insisting there was no contact with the ball. The Cool Smashers took the 2-1 match lead after Pontillas attack went out.

Petro Gazz also said that the first referee could have just stuck through with his initial call and forced Creamline to challenge that would’ve shown the play on the screen for all to see.

READ: PVL: Creamline keeps its title defense alive with win over Petro Gazz

The Angels added the first referee, the other official closest to the play and the linesman who made the call could’ve also discussed the matter first before deciding to award the point to Creamline to ensure that the correct call was made.

As per Petro Gazz, the first referee could’ve also called for a referee’s challenge where the play would be shown on the screen.

“Unfortunately, not one of those was done. However, we take pride in the fact that our Petro Gazz Angels continued to play with heart, the rest of the way,” the Angels said.

“We congratulate the Creamline Cool Smashers; it was a hard-fought game and they prevailed. We sincerely hope that the officiating lapses can be addressed to preserve the integrity of the PVL. Finally, we put this game behind us. We have played many PVL games, and we will play many more, against Creamline and all the other PVL teams. That, we can look forward to.”

Petro Gazz fights for a spot in the Finals against Choco Mucho (2-0) on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.