By NIKOLE JAVIER
Petro Gazz slipped past Akari, 25-15, 25-19, 22-25, 25-16, and clinched the second semifinal ticket in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, March 9, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Angels had to recover from a third-set hiccup to improve 5-2 in the standings which guaranteed them their sixth overall PVL playoff berth, thanks to a superior set ratio.
Grethcel Soltones had an all-around performance of 20 points off 16 attacks and four aces laced with 12 excellent digs.
Djanel Cheng also helped four other Angels to a double-digit outing with her playmaking of 25 excellent sets to go along with four points.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Remy Palma chipped in 15 and 13 points, respectively, while Jonah Sabete and MJ Phillips had 10 and 11 in a total team effort.
Petro Gazz had to buck another slow start in the fourth set to put away Akari and come away with the extended victory.
“That’s our realistic goal to be in the semifinals first. Sabi nga namin, we’ll hard to reach the realistic ball first and just take it from there,” said Petro Gazz head coach Oliver Almadro.
Meantime, Chery Tiggo strengthened its own bid for a semis berth by sweeping past Choco Mucho, 25-21, 25-19, 25-19.
The Crossovers snapped an alarming 3-game skid to improve to 4-3 while eliminating the Flying Titans from playoff contention.
Mylene Paat carried out a game-winning performance for Chery Tigg o with 25 points off 22 attacks, two aces and a block.
Cza Carandang added 12 points, while Pauline Gaston had a triple-double outing of 12 points, 19 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions, while Shaya Adorador contributed 10 of her own.
