Aiza Maizo leads Petro Gazz Angels past Choco Mucho in PVL All-Filipino Cup. – PHOTO of PVL
MANILA, Philippines – Petro Gazz defeated Choco Mucho in consecutive sets, 25-18, 25-20, 25-21, to claim the first win in the All-Philippines Conference of the 2023 Premier Volleyball Championship on Thursday in The FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
New Angels coach Oliver Almadro haunted his old team as Petro Gazz won in one hour and 44 minutes. But the animation tactician deflected credit for his new roster, led by Aiza Maizo-Pontillas’ 19-point blast.
“It’s not mine, it’s theirs. Considering that I’m new to this team. I think my supplement [to this team] just give them extra motivation and [strengthening] their characters. The skill is there and they work hard,” said Almadro. Resigned as coach of Choco Mucho in the middle of the Intensification Conference, in Filipino.
“I wouldn’t say it’s about me, it’s about them. They want to win. Yesterday they also told me they were going to win it, so I believed in them.”
Petro Gazz’s coach Oliver Almadro and his teammates after the game. – PHOTO of PVL
Pontillas showed his classic form, unleashing 18 attacks out of 14 digs as Petro Gazz recovered from a consecutive loss to Creamline last Saturday to improve his 1-1 record, surpassing via Choco Mucho.
Grethcel Soltones scored 11 points and 13 hits. Setter Djanel Cheng did an excellent 18 sets. Jonah Sabete had nine points, while the midway blockers Des Clemente and Remy Palma added seven, stepping up to fill the void of MJ Phillips, who missed the second game in a row.
The Angels got off to a slow start against the Flying Titans, 13-8, in the first set but they unleashed a 17-5 run to steal the opening bracket.
Petro Gazz kept momentum in the second set but Choco Mucho threatened to prolong the game in the third set, turning the 15-18 deficit into a one-point game, 21-20, after Des Cheng’s strike.
Palma restores order with a quick attack and blocks Cheng for 23-20 before the latter responds with a kill. Pontillas and Sabete ended the match with a series of clutches.
Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin suffered his first professional loss, after the exciting debut against Akari last Saturday.
Kat Tolentino led the Flying Titans with 14 points, including 3 blocks, while Cheng finished with 9 points and 11 digs.
BUT RELATED STORY
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your registration has been successful.
Continue reading
Register QUESTIONER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and more than 70 other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to news, download as early as 4am and share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
For feedback, complaints or requests, Contact us.
