By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Petro Gazz Angels ended the Cignal HD Spikers’ Cinderella run in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) after beating them in Game 3 of their semifinals clash, 25-21, 28-26, 15-25, 25-21.
Heading into their semis matchup as an undefeated team, the Petro Gazz squad turned up the intensity and took down the HD Spikers in two games and is the only team who has managed to defeat the Spikers in the PVL.
It was an all-around team effort for Petro Gazz as their big three of MJ Phillips, Myla Pablo, and Gretchel Soltones put on solid offensive performances that torched Cignal in all the sets.
Aizo Maizo-Pontillas continued her vintage playoffs performance after displaying a volleyball spiking clinic with 17 successful attacks.
Meanwhile, her co-opposite spiker, another veteran and former UAAP superstar Remy Palma, chipped in 14 points.
“Nung nakuha natin yung second game, wala silang gaanong time to adjust so ayan na yung momentum, plus yung depth ng lineup namin so good win for us,” said Angels head coach Jerry Yee.
It was an unfortunate turn of events for the HD Spikers after superstar Rachelle Ann Daquis exited the game during the second set due to cramps.
Cignal was on the verge of equalizing the match at one set apiece when they led 24-22 in the second but a Petro Gazz rally turned the tables in a crucial six-point swing.
“We were anticipating na ayun nga, yung turnout na yan that would go for us. Kasi nga, yung momentum,” added coach Yee.
With the huge win, the Petro Gazz squad will be setting up a highly-anticipated grand finals clash against Alyssa Valdez and the Creamline Cool Smashers.
