Petro Gazz downs Choco Mucho, nears bronze in PVL Open

Petro Gazz recovered from a third-set stumble and edged Choco Mucho, 25-21, 25-15, 22-25, 25-20, Wednesday to take Game 1 of their best-of-three battle for third place in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the PVC Socio-Civic & Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
Myla Pablo starred for the Angels by erupting for 26 points built on 25 attacks and one ace as they moved closer to the consolation trophy.
Petro Gazz coach Arnold Laniog said it was all about mental game at this stage.
“Usapan talaga namin hindi naman pwedeng uuwi kami ng walang dala so lahat naman nagbigay talaga ng best nila ngayon. Nag-connect yung mindset namin compared sa mga previous game,” he said.
The Angels pulled away from a 21-20 lead by hammering down four straight points that included a service ace from Grethcel Soltones for matchpoint.
An attack error from Kat Tolentino gave the win for Petro Gazz.
Earlier in the fourth set, Choco Mucho middle blocker Maddie Madayag exited the game at 15-all and did not return after hurting her left knee from a bad landing.
Soltones chipped in 13 points including 10 kills, while Ria Meneses added 10 points highlighted by five blocks. Ces Molina also fired 11 points.
Chie Saet converted 26 excellent sets.
Game 2 of their duel will be Thursday.