ILOCOS NORTE - Petro Gazz flashed superb hitting and blocking to dash Sta. Lucia's semifinal hopes, romping off with a 25-13, 25-21, 25-22 victory last night to complete the Final Four cast in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the PCV Socio-Civic Cultural Center in Bacarra.
The Angels used strong finishing kicks to frustrate the Lady Realtors, including in the third when they fought back from 15-17 by winning 10 of the last 15 points, the last two courtesy of Sta. Lucia's miscues for the semis-clinching sixth win against two setbacks.
"Itong game na 'to, for this tournament para sa akin ito yung convincing game talaga namin na panalo talaga. We're happy na nagrespond yung players doon sa game plan namin," said Petro Gazz head coach Arnold Laniog.
Myla Pablo poured a game-high 17 points while Ria Meneses finished with 15 points off 10 attacks, four blocks, and an ace.
Grethcel Soltones flaunted her all-around wares with eight points, 14 excellent receptions, and 13 excellent digs.
Meanwhile, Kath Arado patrolled the floor with 18 excellent digs and six excellent receptions while Chie Saet had 26 excellent sets laced with two markers for Petro Gazz.
Sta, Lucia, which had hoped to close out its campaign on a five-win run for a shot at playoff for the last semis berth, ended up fifth with a 5-4 mark.
MJ Phillips and Sabete led the Sta. Lucia with 10 points each. The latter also tallied nine excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.
Jovie Prado, who has been consistent for the team throughout, ended with eight points while Mika Reyes was held to just five markers.
Petro Gazz's victory, its fifth straight, likewise formalized idle Choco Mucho (6-1) and Chery Tiggo's (6-2) march to the Final Four, reducing the last two elims playdates to virtual tune-up matches for the semifinalists and final standings.
