BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo – Petro Gazz Angels showed no rust as it cruised to a 25-20, 23-25, 25-14, 25-21 victory over PLDT High Speed Hitters in a Premier Volleyball League exhibition match on Monday night at the Tamasak Arena here.
Passi, Iloilo native Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, along with Negrense Jonah Sabete, Myla Pablo, Gretchel Soltones and Mar Jana Phillips, spearheaded the attack for the 2022 PVL Open Conference runner ups.
The Angels showed its might in the opening set as it jumpstarted an early lead before holding off the High Speed Hitters rally. PLDT, however, bounce back in the second set as it pulled off a close one over Petro Gazz.
Petro Gazz regained its offense in the second half with Pablo, Maizo-Pontillas and Sabete at the forefront to quickly build a double-digit lead en route to closing the set at 25-14.
The High Speed Hitters made its last stand in the fourth frame behind Mika Reyes and Julianne Samonte but the Angels converted some crucial hits to pull off the win.
In the preliminary game, Gametime Volleyball Championship Season 1 titlist Lady Pythons pulled off a 25-18, 25-17, 23-25, 18-25, 15-12 victory over A and T Smashers.
Led by Niña Berlin, Lara Abangan, Melysa Canaya, Johannah Micah Hisu-an, Joanne Coronado,Yssa Jaruda, Anarose Vergara and Joymae Deximo, Lady Pythons displayed its dominance in the first two sets.
The A and T Smashers showed some life in the next two sets to force a decider but the Lady Pythons displayed its championship poise to pull off the tightly-contested fifth set.
Lady Pythons head coach Dax Llige said the opportunity to play as preliminary game of Angels-High Speed Hitters were huge confidence boost to his players.
“Nalipay gid kami sa sini nga opportunity nga gin hatag ng Gametime Sports sa amon. Once in a lifetime ito para sa amon mga local players,” Llige said./PN
