Petro Gazz bucked an opening set stumble and edged PLDT, 22-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-18, to move a win away from the finals in the Premier Volleyball League All Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Saturday, March 18.

Petro Gazz draws the first blood in its best-of-three semis affair with PLDT. (PVL Images)

Jonah Sabete and MJ Phillips led the all-around plays with combined 26 kills and seven blocks to finish with 18 and 17 points, respectively, as the Angels took a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three semis duel.

Veteran spiker Aiza Pontillas also took matters into her own hands at crunch time, churning in 12 attacks to finish with 13 points, while Remy Palma contributed 14 points.

The Angels overpowered the High Speed Hitters on all fronts, bombarding with 61 kills while posting 14 blocks compared to PLDT’s 53 attacks and eight blocks.

The win also overshadowed the efforts of Jovie Prado for the High Speed Hitters, who topscored with 18 points.

Game 2 will be on Tuesday, March 21.