PVL: Petro Gazz sweeps Choco Mucho as coach Oliver Almadro beats ex-team

[ad_1]

Aiza Maizo leads the Petro Gazz Angels past Choco Mucho in the PVL All-Filipino Cup. – PVL PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines – Petro Gazz stunned Choco Mucho in straight sets, 25-18, 25-20, 25-21, to earn its first victory in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.

New Angels coach Oliver Almadro upset his former team as Petro Gazz won in one hour and 44 minutes. But the animated tactician dished out credit to his new squad, led by Aiza Maizo-Pontillas’ 19-point burst.

“It’s not about me, it’s about him. Considering I’m new to this team. I think my addition [to this team] just give me more motivation and [strengthening] character. The skills are there and they work hard,” said Almadro, who stepped down to coach Choco Mucho in the middle of the Reinforced Conference, in the Philippines.

“I wouldn’t say it’s about me, it’s about him. He wants to win. He also told me yesterday that he will win, so I believe him.

Petro Gazz coach Oliver Almadro. Photo PVL

Petro Gazz coach Oliver Almadro and his team after the game. – PVL PHOTOS

Pontillas displayed his vintage form, firing 18 attacks on top of 14 digs as Petro Gazz bounced back from a straight-set loss to Creamline last Saturday to improve to a 1-1 record, tying Choco Mucho.

Grethcel Soltones had 11 points and 13 receptions. Setter Djanel Cheng made 18 excellent sets. Jonah Sabete had nine points, while middle blocks Des Clemente and Remy Palma added seven markers, stepping up to fill the void of MJ Phillips, who missed his second straight game.

The Angels bucked a slow start trailing the Flying Titans, 13-8, in the first set but they unleashed a 17-5 run to steal the opening frame.

Petro Gazz maintained the momentum in the second set but Choco Mucho threatened to extend the match in the third set, turning a 15-18 deficit into a one-point game, 21-20, after a Des Cheng attack.

Palma restored order with a quick attack and a block on Cheng to take a 23-20 lead before the latter answered with a kill. Pontillas and Sabete ended the game with clutch spikes.

Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin suffered his first defeat in the professional ranks, after an impressive debut against Akari last Saturday.

Kat Tolentino led the Flying Titans with 14 points, including three blocks, while Cheng finished with nine markers and 11 digs.

Your subscription cannot be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.