MANILA – ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles pulled off a stunning 25-21, 25-23, 27-25 straight-set win over Petro Gazz Angels in Game 1 of the PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals on Tuesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Michelle Gamit finished with 10 points, built on six attacks, two blocks, and two service aces, to be named Player of the Game as the Thunderbelles took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.
“Ang goal talaga namin is manalo and ‘yung motivation namin is ‘yung isa’t isa,” Gamit said after the game. “Grabe ‘yung naging preparation namin for this game kasi gusto talaga naming manalo. We are grateful kasi lumabas lahat ng pinag trainingan namin.”
“Kami kasi magaan ‘yung samahan namin sa loob ng court, hindi siya mabigat lalo na ‘yung leadership ng mga seniors. We are thankful sa treatment nila sa amin, pantay pantay talaga,” she added.
Ilongga Glaudine Troncoso led the way with 14 points, on nine attacks, four blocks, and an ace, Guimarasnon Jovelyn Gonzaga and Thea Gagate added 11 markers apiece, while Chinnie Arroyo contributed 10 points for the Thunderbelles.
Thunderbelles head coach Jerry Yee credited their 11 total blocks as one of the keys to their victory and he hopes that it will serve as one of their consistent weapons moving forward.
“Blocking is blocking. It is one of the most important thing,” Yee said after the game. “It is the first line of offense and defense. Sana palagi lang siyang nandiyan, sana maging consistent kami sa department na ‘yan. It helps our game a lot.”
Brooke Van Sickle finished with 18 points, built on 16 attacks and two blocks, to lead the Angels, while Myla Pablo contributed 14 markers, including 13 attacks, in the defeat.
Meanwhile, Creamline Cool Smashers cruised to a commanding 25-10, 27-25, 25-21 victory over Chery Tiggo Crossovers in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinals series.
Alyssa Valdez flirted with a triple-double with 16 points, 13 excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions to be named Player of the Game, while Diana Carlos, Bea de Leon, and Jeanette Panaga had 16, 11, and 10 points, respectively./PN
ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles’ Michelle Gamit scores against the defense of Petro Gazz Angels’ Myla Pablo. PVL PHOTO
