MANILA – Petro Gazz Angels clinched its maiden crown in the Premier V-League after dethroning Creamline Cool Smashers, 25-15, 28-30, 25-23, 25-19, in Game 3 of the Reinforced Conference finals on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Janisa Johnson was hailed as the Finals MVP after tallying triple-double 23 points, 18 excellent receptions and 13 digs as Wilma Salas fired 30 points built on 26 kills and four blocks for the Angels.
Local players also made their presence felt with Jeanette Panaga connecting six service aces to finish with 10 points, while Djanel Cheng dished out 28 excellent sets and Cienne Cruz had 15 digs.
“Answered prayers. These two imports namin played a big role but again siyempre as a team talaga ‘di naman namin makukuha ito basta-basta kung walang help ng locals,” said Angels head coach Arnold Laniog.
From a 14-all score in the fourth set, the Angels went on with its local players Panaga, Cherry Nunag and Jonah Sabete with consecutive points to pull the team two points away from the crown at 23-16.
The Cool Smashers made its last run to defend its crown but Johnson and Salas provided the last two points as the Angels completed its rise to the top after ending at fifth place last year.
Three-time PVL MVP Alyssa Valdez finished with 22 points, Thai import Kuttika Kaewpin put up 17 points including 11 digs, while Risa Sato had 10 markers for the Cool Smashers./PN
