Petro Gazz stops PLDT, stays in third place

MANILA, Philippines — Petro Gazz battled back from two set points against PLDT in the fourth set as it eked out a 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 27-25 victory yesterday to remain at third in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.

Lindsey Vander Weide unloaded a 24-point performance including critical kills in the fourth frame when the Angels trailed the High Speed Hitters, 22-24. The effort gave Petro Gazz its third win in four starts.

“They know how important every game is and I kept reminding them to focus and that helped us today (yesterday),” said Petro Gazz coach Nald Ricafort.

Ricafort also rued Petro Gazz’ flat start.

“We were sluggish at the start. I don’t know if we’re just stiff or what, but we adjusted,” he said.

It was a heartbreaking defeat for PLDT, which fell to 1-4 and dealt a huge blow to its semifinal hope.

Elena Samoilenko tried to do it by her lonesome and unleashed a 29-point performance.

It wasn’t enough though.

Vander Weide, in contrast, got all the help she needed as MJ Philips, Myla Pablo and Jonah Sabete got the rest of the job done and scattered 13, 12 and 10 hits, respectively.

Paced by Samoilenko, the High Speed Hitters took control early to go one set up.

In the nightcap, Creamline seized the solo lead by stopping Chery Tiggo, 25-23, 20-25, 25-12, 32-30, and claiming its fifth win in row.

The Crossovers absorbed their first defeat after five straight wins.