PVL: Angels keep faith in Wilma Salas to claim crucial win

Petro Gazz Angels’ import Wilma Salas during a game against Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — With an all-important showdown against a streaking rival on the line, Petro Gazz knew just who to turn to.

Banking on Cuban star Wilma Salas, the Angels overcame the Cool Smashers in a grueling rematch of the 2019 finals after a 25-23, 25-19, 20-25, 23-25, 15-12 thriller in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

Salas, the 2019 Best Foreign Guest Player in Petro Gazz’s maiden title run, put the team on her back finishing with 34 points on a 33 out of 71 attack efficiency highlighted by clutch hits as the Angels snapped their rivals’ four-game winning streak. 

“I know this game is important and for sure, my body was not prepared until like two weeks ago. But now, I feel more good so you can see more of this Wilma on the court for sure,” said Salas, who also had 17 digs, to deny Creamline’s comeback bid. “I’m so happy that we won this game, difficult game because Creamline is a very good team. Every time I say if you’re training good, you do good in [games].”

READ: PVL: Petro Gazz snaps Creamline run to start own streak

Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara, Wilma Salas, and Brooke Van Sickle talk about their five-set win over Creamline. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ZuBx8jQH6H

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 13, 2024

Reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP Brooke Van Sickle, who conspired with Salas by adding 24 points, is grateful for her teammate, who led the way in their “dog fight” against Creamline.

“I’m proud of Wilma. The thing I love about Wilma is she’s tall of course but for her height, she’s able to do everything. She digs ball, she passes extremely well, so she’s not just one dimensional, she’s all skills so it’s a really big help just having her near me and just being on the court,” said Van Sickle, who had 18 excellent receptions.

“She has a lot of experience and she will lead the team in certain moments, she fires everything up. She keeps us going so I’m very grateful to be able to have this chance to play with her.”

Wilma Salas.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The Filipino-American spiker admitted they’ve been feeling the pressure after losing three games in the first round, currently holding the seventh spot with a 3-3 record. 

“It’s like a fight or flight like our backs are against the wall because of the performance we had in the past. Anything happens, we just take it day by day and there are still more games and many more chances so it was just the fact that okay, yeah it wasn’t our best performance in the pool play but knowing that we can come in and still have a chance, we’re okay,” said Van Sickle. “We just have to continue to push each other and stay consistent and take it to these teams they’re good and we have to try to gain as many points as possible to move on.”

Petro Gazz faces another contender in PLDT on Saturday at Mall of Asia before battling Chery Tiggo on Thursday next week at Filil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. 

READ: PVL: Petro Gazz ends slump with sweep of Choco Mucho

Salas and Van Sickle on forming a potent combo. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/UqH3DLkXzJ

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 13, 2024

Van Sickle and Salas seek to use this big win over Creamline as a momentum booster ahead of their tough stretch.

“I would say it’s definitely a big confidence booster. They’re a great team, they’re at the top of their pool so we just have to stay consistent, stay together, and just take it point by point knowing that teams aren’t gonna just roll over, everyone’s gonna fight it doesn’t matter what the score is at all, you just can’t take a playoff,” said Van Sickle.

“We want to fight in this second round so much because we know we need these games,” added Salas.