Petro Gazz’s Myla Pablo during a PVL preseason game against Galeries.–PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — With a short turnaround from a tough campaign-opening loss, Petro Gazz turned to its veterans to bounce back with a 25-23, 25-21, 26-24 win over Galeries Tower in the PVL on Tour on Sunday at Batangas City Sports Center.
Coming off a first-ever defeat to Nxled on Saturday, Angels coach Koji Tsuzurabara gave more playing time to his old reliables, led by Myla Pablo, who poured in 14 points all on attacks.
READ: PVL: Rookie Lyann de Guzman powers Nxled past Petro Gazz
“We told them it’s just the first game and that we still have a lot of games to bounce back. We reminded our rookies not to lose hope and to aim to play better in the next game. Inside the court, we tried to guide them, especially Ate Chie (Saet), Nang (Aiza Maizo-Pontillas), and Rem (Palma),” said Pablo in Filipino.
“Every team has gotten stronger this PVL On Tour. In our first game, it was really all about adjustments because our rookies were still finding their footing, and our main players, MJ and Brooke, weren’t there. But of course, whoever is here will find a way to handle things for the team this On Tour.”
The All-Filipino Conference champion continued to miss the services of MVPs Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips, who are in Vietnam for Alas Pilipinas’ VTV Cup stint.
But other veterans stepped up with Jonah Sabete and Joy Dacoron adding 10 points, and Djanel Cheng dishing out 16 excellent sets after rookie Julyana Tolentino was tested as main setter against Nxled.
“We reminded ourselves not to focus on who’s not here and instead to contribute as a team. Players like Nicole Tiamzon AA Adolfo, and Jonah are here, and we know they’ll step up this PVL. You can really see that everyone moved well in the game. I think we just fell short in our first game because we were still adjusting, and we need to work on communicating more and being louder as a team,” Pablo said.
READ: Alas Pilipinas joins VTV Cup; Petro Gazz ‘didn’t meet deadline‘
Petro Gazz had to overcome the gallant stand of Galeries in every set, needing to fight back from a 20-23 deficit in the third as the latter committed two consecutive attack errors, followed by Nicole Tiamzon’s equalizing block and off-the-block kill to reach match point, 24-23.
Jewel Encarnacion saved a point, but her service error put the Angels back on top before Tiamzon nailed the game-winning kill.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas had seven points and five digs, while libero BLove Barbon made 10 excellent receptions and eight digs before overextending her left knee while trying to save the ball when the third set was tied at 20-all.
Petro Gazz finished its Batangas tour with a 1-1 record in Pool A. The Angeles will have a long break before playing in Ilagan City against PLDT on July 12 and Farm Fresh on July 13.
“Of course, there’s pressure since we’re the defending champions, but we always say that every year, teams get stronger, so we can’t be complacent in the PVL,” Pablo said. “Coach also wanted to test how far our rookies can go, and even though they were a bit nervous, you could see they contributed well in this game. It’s nice because the rookies are really communicating with us.”
Ysa Jimenez led Galeries with 13 points and eight digs. Roselle Baliton had 10 points, including three blocks, while Encarnacion added nine points.
Rookie Jean Asis was limited to six points after scoring a team-high 16 on her PVL debut.
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Galeries dropped to a 0-2 record a day after falling to Choco Mucho in four sets. The HighRisers return to action on July 15 against the Chameleons at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
