Petro Gazz Angels’ Wilma Salas.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Behind Wilma Salas’ inspired showing, three-peat-seeking Petro Gazz has strung up three straight victories which fueled its entry into the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference quarterfinals.
The Cuban import erupted for a total of 74 points in two games to tow the Angels past powerhouse opponents to improve to a 4-3 win-loss record tied with quarters-bound Capital1.
In the 2019 Reinforced finals rematch against Creamline, Salas poured in 34 points in an efficient 33-of-71 attacking clip on top of 17 digs in Petro Gazz’s thrilling, 25-23, 25-19, 20-25, 23-25, 15-12, escape last Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
READ: PVL: Wilma Salas, Van Sickle fuel surging Petro Gazz past PLDT
Van Sickle and Salas after combining for 72 points. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/UyoPXASEzV
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 17, 2024
Four days after, the former Best Foreign Guest Player willed the Angels to another marathon win, 22-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19, 16-14, over PLDT where she registered a PVL career-best 40 points at the Mall of Asia Arena
Stepping up when it mattered most, Salas’ clutch performance earned her nod as PVL Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of August 13 to 17.
“My personal motivation, when I go to the court, we don’t think if we win or lose, we think about staying together. I think that’s the power of Petro Gazz up to now,” said Salas, who fired 36 attacks, three blocks, and an ace on top of 21 excellent receptions against the High Speed Hitters.
The 33-year-old wing spiker deflected the credit of her stellar showing to the newfound chemistry of Petro Gazz, especially with Brooke Van Sickle, whom she bested in the Player of the Week race voted by beat reporters from print and online publications covering the league.
“I think it is very good to play at this level, this is very competent. What is important for me is the team is able to compete. The feeling that we have a connection, me, Brooke, and the setter, these are all the results of our training, and we work for it,” said Salas.
READ: PVL: Angels keep faith in Wilma Salas to claim crucial win
Salas also edged Akari’s Michelle Cobb, Cignal’s Gel Cayuna, Farm Fresh’s Yeny Murillo, and Creamline’s Erica Staunton for the recognition.
“We are mentally and physically prepared for this. I think for the younger players we try to calm them. I think that is also very important for the team,” she added.
As Salas found her groove and formed a potent combo with All-Filipino Conference MVP Van Sickle, the Angels rose from a 1-3 start and booked a spot to the knockout stage, eyeing to end the second round with a fourth straight win against Chery Tiggo on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara challenges his players to play with a title challenger’s mindset.
“I said this before, we are not champions, we are challengers, and it’s good to see the team better now,” said the Japanese mentor.