Petro Gazz Angels in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Petro Gazz locked in the PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinal matchups after smothering Chery Tiggo, 25-20, 25-16, 25-12, on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Wilma Salas punched in 21 points to lift the Angels to the No. 6 spot. They will face eight-time champion Creamline on Tuesday in the same San Juan venue.
MVP winner Brooke van Sickle was still effective with her 12 points, from nine attacks and three aces, in sinking the Crossovers to No. 5 and battle PLDT also on Tuesday.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals
“Today, everyone did a good, best performance. I hope to continue this pace in the next game,” coach Koji Tsuzurabara said.
“[We] are happy. We are a challenger. But before there is a difference before the game, we have to change our mind. We are a challenger. [Creamline] are the queens [and] very dangerous. Maybe I can’t sleep until the end,’ Tsuzurabara added.
Salas was previously with the late Janisa Johnson in 2019 when they turned back the Cool Smashers in three games in the Finals.
Salas was the Best Foreign Player in that conference while Johnson became the Finals MVP.
READ: PVL: ‘Staying together’ motivating Wilma Salas, Petro Gazz
The Angels started the conference with a rough 1-3 card before turning things around to keep their title-retention bid alive with a four-game winning streak.
“[There is a] big difference [in the team] … I changed the team atmosphere [and the] offensive style. Wilma is a professional volleyball player. So, other players can learn how to have a professional attitude. So, they will change their mind [and] improve more,” Tsuzurabara said.
No one from Chery Tiggo reached double-digits with Kath Bell having an underwhelming showing with eight points like Mylene Paat.
Undefeated Akari will face Farm Fresh after Cignal tries to control Marina Tushova and Capital 1 on Saturday.