Petro Gazz, already assured of semifinals, puts on a show for Iloilo crowd

Aiza Pontillas (red) went to kill on the way to 13 points for Petro Gazz. -PHOTO PVL

There is nothing really at stake for Petro Gazz on Tuesday, but the day after hitting their first goal – something coach Oliver Almadro said they did not expect to achieve – the Angels dismissed any opportunity to take a breath.

“We have to work harder, be more focused and continue to believe in each other,” Almadro told the Inquirer after their upset 25-21, 28-26, 25-21 upset of Chery Tiggo at the San Agustin Gymnasium. in Iloilo province on Tuesday which closed the preliminary round schedule of the All-Filipino Angels Premier Volleyball League Conference.

“We can’t slow down, we have to be more consistent than we have been (in the eliminations),” he added after getting four players in double figures in a game that could be considered light after having been confident of progressing as early as. as last week because of his superior set-win ratio.

In closing with a 6-2 record, the Angels also eliminated the Crossovers, who dropped to 4-4, and gave PLDT a free Final Four ride with one game left on the High Speed ​​Hitters’ schedule.

PLDT will close against fellow favorites Choco Mucho at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday, and a loss will drag the High Speed ​​Hitters down to a semis match against consensus team-to-beat Creamline in a best-of-three series.

Fans watch the PVL provincial game at the San Agustin Gymnasium in Iloilo. – PVL PHOTOS

The scenario will also close the semifinal match of Petro Gazz-F2.

“It was totally unexpected,” Almadro said of making the semifinals because the team had lost its top scorer and best libero in the offseason. “But the players refuse to use that excuse and go against anyone every night.

“I’m happy that we all continue to develop together,” said Almadro, who has been managing the Angels for three months. “The hard work continues for everyone and we hope that God will give us a place in the title series.”

Both squads went all out in the second set, unleashing a series of rallies that had the 7,000-strong crowd roaring.

“We are just overwhelmed because of the great crowd that appeared,” Remy Palma, who had 13 points for the Angels, said. “He really worked hard to come here, so for us, playing well is just a way to give back to the fans.”

Chery Tiggo lost seven, 24-17, before winning seven straight points. Palma was able to break the Angels’ dry spell to reach set point, only for Gretchel Soltones to throw it away with a wild serve.

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas brought in Petro Gazz to set up another point, only for Mylene Paat to retaliate and tie it all up at 26.

A second contact foul by Chery Tiggo proved costly and Jonah Sabete took advantage by converting a kill to secure a 2-0 lead that all but managed to beat the wind from the Crossovers screen.

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