By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA & NIKOLE JAVIER
Veterans Grethcel Soltones and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas conspired for Petro Gazz and kept newbie Farm Fresh winless, 25-21, 31-29, 25-17, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Tuesday, July 11, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Angels, who had a close call in the second set when the Foxies showed more resistance, improved 2-1 in the Pool B standings.
Petro Gazz was later tied by Cignal which eliminated Foton after hacking out an easy 25-10, 25-16, 25-22 win,
The HD Spikers drew strength from Ces Molina and Jovelyn Gonzaga who combined for 28 kills to finish with 16 and 14 points, respectively.
Group B frontrunners Choco Mucho and F2 Logistics are battling at press time with both teams going for 3-0.
While Molina and Gonzaga spearheaded the HD Spikers’ offense, it was setter Gel Cayuna
Soltones and Maizo-Pontillas tallied a combined 31 points, with the former highlighting her performance with 15 attacks and the latter with 13 kills.
The Foxies put up a gallant fight, tying the count at 12-all to the surprise of everybody who came early for the 4-game schedule.
They even took a 20-18 lead only to crumble in the face of Petro Gazz’s fiery comeback.
The Angels finished off the Foxies with a 7-1 run capped by Maizo-Pontillas’ service ace.
Up by only one in the second set, 30-29, the Petro Gazz held its breath for another deadlock as Farm Fresh set up an offensive play, but Kate Santiago sent the ball wide which gave the Angels a two-set advantage.
Now demoralized than ever after squandering several chances, Farm Fresh lost steam in the crunch, allowing Petro Gazz to win the third set with little difficulty.
