By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Petro Gazz Angels survived a tough challenge from newcomer Farm Fresh Foxies for a 25-21, 31-29, 25-17 triumph in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City yesterday.

Gretchel Soltones led the way with 16 points, including 15 attacks, to go with nine excellent digs as the Angels notched their second victory in three matches in Pool B.

Ilongga Aiza Maizo-Pontillas added 15 markers, with 13 attacks, one block and a service ace, while Cienne Cruz exhibited her prowess on the defensive end with 19 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs for Petro Gazz.

After dominating the first set, the Angels were pushed to the limit in the extended second set as they trailed 28-29 before Maizo-Pontillas forced a deadlock with a block on Foxies’ Kate Santiago.

Rookie Kecelyn Galdones put the Angels at set point at 30-29 as she also scored a block on Santiago before the latter committed an error to seal the set victory for Petro Gazz.

Farm Fresh opened the third frame with a 6-2 lead, but could not protect the lead as Petro Gazz zoomed to a 19-12 advantage en route to finishing the match in three sets.

Despite the victory, Angels head coach Oliver Almadro still expressed concern on the whopping 21 unforced errors committed by his squad in the first two sets of the game.

“I’m happy with how my players performed today. However, in the first two sets, we had 21 errors right away, which allowed Farm Fresh to take advantage. I’m happy that in the third set, we minimized our mistakes,” Almadro said.

Gayle Pascual emerged as the lone standout for Farm Fresh with 11 points and seven digs, while Santiago contributed seven points as her team tasted its third defeat in as many matches.

Meanwhile, Cignal HD Spikers returned to their winning ways with a 25-10, 25-16, 25-22 victory over Foton Tornadoes. Gel Cayuna was named as the Player of the Game with 22 excellent sets./ASC, WDJ