By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Petro Gazz Angels closed out their Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour preliminaries campaign with a 20-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-17 victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur on Tuesday night, July 29.

While the win did not alter the Angels’ standing in the tournament, it provided a much-needed morale boost heading into the knockout stage after improving to a 2-3 record.

Veteran Myla Pablo spearheaded the offense with 23 points and 16 excellent receptions, while Nicole Tiamzon followed with 16 points and 12 digs to earn Best Player of the Game honors.

Ilongga Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Ranya Musa added 10 points apiece, while Joy Dacoron and Negrense Jonah Sabete contributed six and five markers, respectively.

“Focus lang, I just had to play my game,” Tiamzon said.

“But I also need to adjust to what the team needs right now,” she said.

“Siguro nagre-group lang din kami. Major reason din ‘yun what’s going on. Kailangan namin ‘yun para makabwelo papunta sa knockout games,” she added.

Choco Mucho, who fell to 1-4 and settled for the No. 5 seed, got solid efforts from Cherry Nunag (17 points), rookie Ayesha Juegos (16) and Honey Royse Tubino (13).

Meanwhile, the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles halted the Chery Tiggo Crossovers’ march to the quarterfinals with a 19-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-19, 15-6 victory.

Cloanne Mondonedo shone with 36 excellent sets along with two points to earn Player of the Game honors for the Thunderbelles, who notched their third win in five matches.

“I think andaming pang kailangang i-prove ng team, so kulang pa ‘yung today,” Mondonedo said.

“Wala namang team na gustong mag-fifth set. Ayaw naming umuwi ng sad kaya lumaban talaga ‘yung team hanggang dulo,” she added./ASC, WDJ