By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Petro Gazz Angels earned a much-needed win over the Akari Chargers, 25-18, 17-25, 25-22, 32-30, to keep their Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference semis hopes alive last November 25, 2023.
Despite a valiant effort from the Chargers, the Angels showed they were hungrier to win as another loss will officially keep them out of a Top 4 finish heading to the playoffs.
Marian Buitre pulled off one of her best performances of the season so far after leading the way for Petro Gazz with 22 points built from 16 successful attacks.
Aside from her offensive conference-high outing, Buitre also tallied four huge blocks and two clutch service aces.
During the nip-and-tuck fourth set marathon, it was Buitre who provided Petro Gazz’s much-needed answers to stay the course.
Akari’s Dindin Santiago-Manabat was in her zone and was waxing hot on the offensive end but Buitre played spoiler as her conversions put the Angels in the lead during the last five game possessions.
Veteran outside hitter Aiza Maizo-Pontillas also stepped up for the Angels and wrapped up the game with 19 points built from 17 successful attacks.
Pontillas joined hands with Buitre in the last two sets to help Petro Gazz hold the fort and survive the onslaught brought by Manabat.
Manabat top-scored the game with 26 points built from 25 successful attacks alongside six excellent receptions and a block.
Petro Gazz will look to keep its semifinal chances on a roll on December 5, 2023, when they square off against the PLDT High-Speed Hitters.
