The Petro Gazz Angels solidified their push for a spot in the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference after defeating the Balipure Water Defenders in straight sets, 25-20, 26-24, 25-23, in league action on Tuesday at the PCV Socio-Civic Center & Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
The win took the Angels’ record to 5-3, good for joint third place, heading into the homestretch of elimination play.
Grethcel Soltones led the balanced attack by Petro Gazz in the shutout win, finishing with 14 points, nine coming off attacks.
Ria Meneses had eight points for the Angels while Myla Pablo and Jerrilli Malabanan added seven apiece.
After taking the opening set, the Angels had to battle it out tough in the succeeding two sets before taking the win and heaving a sigh of relief.
Graze Bombita finished with 18 points to lead the gallant stand by the Water Defenders (2-5), who unfortunately with the loss kissed their semifinal hopes goodbye.
Sati Espiritu had 10 points for Balipure, with Gen Casugod adding nine.
Next for Petro Gazz is a match against the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors on Thursday at 6 p.m. while Balipure collides with the PLDT Fibr Power Hitters in the earlier 3 p.m. game on the same day. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo