Grethcel Soltones exploded for 31 points as Petro Gazz handed F2 Logistics its first loss after five thrilling sets, 20-25, 25-22, 25-12, 33-35, 15-9, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Thursday, July 13, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The Angels boosted their semifinals bid after going 3-1 in the Pool B standings and overtaking the Cargo Movers for the top seed. It was a hard-earned win for Petro Gazz in a match that lasted for more than three hours, with the fourth and fifth sets alone going on for 90 minutes. Soltones led all scorers with a conference-high 31 points on 26 attacks, four blocks and a service ace to help Petro Gazz weathered F2 Logistics. *Gretchel Soltones finishes with a conference-high 31 points to help Petro Gazz hand F2 Logistics its first loss. (PVL Images)*

Jonah Sabete contributed 20 points of her own while Aiza Pontillas and Remy Palma finished with 15 and 12 points, respectively. The Angels bounced back from their opening-set stumble and jumped to a 2-1 set lead. However, the Cargo Movers refused to go down without a fight and brought the fourth set alone to its 23rd deadlock to drag the match into a sudden death. Petro Gazz trailed 4-0 in the final set, but was able to dig itself out of the early deficit with a 6-2 run to tie the match at 6-all. In a confusing turn of events, the technical issues prolonged the match which gave both teams a breather, with the Angels rising to a 13-9 advantage with a telling 5-0 run afterwards. Ivy Lacsina, who delivered the clincher in F2 Logistics’ five-set escape win over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans a few days ago, was called for a foot fault. The challenge then turned out to be a successful one for the Angels as Lacsina was a backrow player in the rotation who went over the line, making the attack illegal. Soltones went on to seal the deal for Petro Gazz with a placement shot. Majoy Baron paced the Cargo Movers with 16 points on 10 attacks, five blocks and a service ace while Lacsina had 15 points on 15 kills. This time, Kianna Dy added 12 points while rookie Jolina dela Cruz registered 10 points. F2 Logistics’ perfect run has ended as it absorbed a 3-1 slate. In the earlier play, the Mylene Paat-led Chery Tiggo blanked newcomer Gerflor in straight sets, 25-19, 25-20, 25-18, to boost its semis bid in the mid-year conference behind defending champion Creamline in the Pool A standings. Paat finished 15 points in the swift victory as the Crossovers improved 2-1.