Petro Gazz nears PVL Finals after shutting down PLDT

Jonah Sabete leads the Petro Gazz Angels in the PVL semifinals. – PVL PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines – Jonah Sabete led Petro Gazz’s onslaught to overcome a first-set loss and defeat PLDT, 22-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-18, to move to the top of the Premier League 2023. All-Filipino League Finals appearance Volleyball is at the Philsports Arena.

Sabete posted a game-high 18 points built on 14 attacks, three blocks, and an ace to put the Angels in a best-of-three semifinal series with the High Speed ​​Hitters.

Sabete scored the most points in the fourth set, giving away four straight points to give Petro Gazz a 14-9 lead before MJ Phillips took control and took match point, 24-13. But PLDT saved five match points only for Jovy Prado to commit an attacking error that handed Game 1 to the Angels.

Djanel Cheng made 18 excellent sets in the top six points as five Angels scored in double figures with MJ Phillips posting 17 points, including four blocks. Remy Palma and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas had 14 and 13 points, respectively. Grethcel Soltones added 10 points and 17 digs, while libero Cienne Cruz had 13 digs and 12 excellent receptions.

Petro Gazz’s new coach Oliver Almadro is looking to take Petro Gazz to his third All-Filipino Finals with a chance to end the streak in Game 2 on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Almadro has yet to reach the championship round in the pro ranks.

“PLDT is an amazing team. But a great team will only push us forward. They pushed us to the limit, so we saw their shortcomings, especially in the first two sets,” said Almadro in Filipino. “What’s good is that these girls are fighters. They are humble and fighters, and they really want it.

Prado led PLDT with a performance of 18 points, 14 digs, and 11 receptions. Means Mendrez and Mika Reyes chip each 11 points, while libero Kath Arado has 27 digs.

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