PVL analysis: Petro Gazz, Banko Perlas post impressive wins

MANILA, Philippines — The Petro Gazz Angels bounced back from their loss to Creamline with an impressive three-set win over erstwhile undefeated Pacific Town Army Troopers in three sets, 25-15, 25-15, 25-19).

The Angels showed their championship pride by playing terrific net (7 block points to the mere 2 of PTA) and floor (48-42 excellent digs and 26-28 receptions) defense. On offense, Petro Gazz also hurt PTA with their booming serves as they netted a 6-3 advantage in aces.

Petro Gazz held the prolific Jovelyn Gonzaga to only eight points. Only Honey Royse Tubino was in double digits with 10, but she had to bleed for those points. Lut Malaluan, who did a fantastic job in Pacific Town’s five-set win over Choco Mucho, was also held to four markers.

The Angels’ Jovielyn Prado came alive after a subpar outing against Creamline by backstopping Jeanette Panaga’s 13 points with 12 of her own.

Petro Gazz coach Arnold Laniog sent in nearly his entire team with only Jessey de Leon, Rica Enclona, and Klarisa Abriam not getting any minutes.

Seven players contributed to the scoring parade in this impressive win that saw Petro Gazz even their slate to 2-2.

The loss saw PTA tumble to sixth but that is misleading as they have only played three matches to date while everyone else has played at least four and as much as six matches.

PTA wasn’t the only team to taste the upset axe. Choc Mucho was also swept by the Banko Perlas Spikers in three sets, 25-18, 25-20, 25-23, which sent the Flying Titles to their second loss in four matches. Banko Perlas is on a roll and are now in second with a 4-2 slate.

Choco Mucho had problems as they got bombarded from all sides of the court. Dzi Gervacio, in her second consecutive strong game, scored 13 while Nicole Tiamzon added 11 from the wings. Kathy Bersola took care of the middle by scoring a team-high 15 points. Sue Roces also helped out in the middle by adding eight while Ella de Jesus, now freed from libero duties added six.

With Bang Pineda and Kat Tolentino silenced, it was only up to Maddie Madayag to carry the fight for Choco Mucho as she was the only Flying Titan to score in double digits with 15.

It looks like Banko Perlas is on a roll and has hit its stride with all key front court players scoring and playing well. There is ample support from others and that has fueled this run of theirs.

Meanwhile, Motolite dispatched an outgunned Philippine Air Force — also in three sets, 25-14, 25-18-25-23, to prevail for their third win in four outings. PAF is winless in four starts. What hurts the Lady Jet Spikers is three of their losses have come via three-set sweeps. 

The PAF might have to look into seriously reloading.