CANDON, Ilocos Sur – Petro Gazz regained its footing and salvaged some measure of pride – and crucial momentum – heading into the knockout stage as it stormed back from a set down to frustrate Choco Mucho, 20-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-17, in a gritty comeback at the close of the PVL On Tour preliminaries Tuesday night at the Candon City Arena here.
Although the win came a little too late to alter its standing, it served as a timely confidence-booster for the Angels, who had previously lost back-to-back matches and needed a spark to rediscover the form that once made them the All-Filipino champions.
The result allowed Petro Gazz to wrap up Pool A play with a 2-3 card, securing the No. 4 spot and a clash with Pool B’s fifth seed Akari in the knockout phase – a battle that could mark the beginning of a resurgence for the proud franchise.
While the Angels fell short of a strong elimination round showing, their latest victory was more than just a morale booster. It was a loud statement – a reminder of the team’s championship pedigree and its ability to rise from adversity.
“Focus lang, I just had to play my game,” said Nicole Tiamzon, who delivered consistently on both ends to earn Best Player of the Game honors with 16 points and 12 excellent digs.
“But I also need to adjust to what the team needs right now,” she added, emphasizing the squad’s shift in mindset.
When asked about the team’s struggles after its All-Filipino title run, the former UP standout pointed to the need for internal regrouping following the exit of coach Koji Tsuzurabara.
“Siguro nag-re-grouped lang din kami. Major reason din yun on what’s going on. Kailangan namin yun para makabwelo papunta sa knockout games,” she said.
Petro Gazz certainly showed signs of finding its rhythm again, especially after dropping the opening frame. Drawing strength from a perfect (3-0) win record in Candon in the past, the Angels remained composed and took control in the succeeding sets with renewed poise and defensive intensity.
“Warm welcome ng tao dito, masarap ang pagkain at grabe ang suporta ng mga taga-Candon,” added Tiamzon, crediting the local support as a motivating factor.
The victory also served as a fitting welcome gift for interim coach Brian Esquibel, who guided the team with composure and clarity in a crucial bounce-back match.
Veteran Myla Pablo was at the forefront of the Petro Gazz charge, uncorking a 23-point performance capped by a clever backrow hit that sealed the match. She also tallied 16 excellent receptions, showcasing her all-around prowess.
Pablo and Tiamzon drew solid support from Aiza Pontillas and Ranya Musa, who added 10 points each, while Joy Dacoron and Jonah Sabete contributed six and five markers, respectively.
Petro Gazz’s front line came alive at the net, outblocking Choco Mucho, 13-8, and dominating in attacks, 57-47. They also scored seven service aces and overcame their 26 unforced errors by limiting the Flying Titans' offensive rhythm.
Despite strong outings from Cherry Nunag (17 points), Ayesha Juegos (16), and Royse Tubino (13), Choco Mucho couldn’t sustain its opening-set momentum and dropped to 1-4 in the pool stage.
The win may not have changed their position in the standings, but for Petro Gazz, it may have lit the spark needed for a deeper run. With momentum back on their side, the Angels are looking to turn this gritty win into a launchpad for a resurgent campaign in the knockout rounds.
Choco Mucho wound up at No. 5 and will tangle with Pool B’s No. 4 (ZUS Coffee).
The Flying Titans looked poised for a turnaround midway through Set 4, surging to a 15-12 lead as they capitalized on a string of Petro Gazz errors.
But the Angels kept their composure. Ranya Musa, AA Adolfo, and Myla Pablo sparked an eight-point barrage – helped by Choco Mucho’s own miscues — to seize control at 20-15.
Jen Villegas and Royse Tubino briefly stopped the bleeding with back-to-back hits to cut the gap to 17-20, but Pablo and Nicole Tiamzon responded with a five-point closing run to seal the victory in emphatic fashion.
“Actually, dahil sa mga player talaga ito eh kasi nagtulong-tulong talaga kahit mahabang rally kami ang nakakakuha ng puntos dahil hindi sila bumibigay. Nandoon pa rin yung pusong kampeon ng mga bata,” said Esquibel.
Veteran libero Bang Pineda also made her much-awaited return to Petro Gazz after a stint with the Akari Chargers, tallying 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions while sharing defensive duties with Jellie Tempiatura.
Meanwhile, PLDT (5-0) and Nxled (4-1) claimed outright quarterfinal berths in Pool A. In Pool B, Cignal and Creamline secured the top two spots.
