LIPA CITY, Batangas—Petro Gazz beat a younger Baguio City squad, 25-10, 25-13, 25-10, in the opener of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) 2021 Champions League on Saturday at the Aquamarine Recreational Center here.
Relying heavily on their experience, the Angels overpowered the Lady Highlanders in all the departments—attacking (32-19), blocking (4-0), serving (14-3) and opponent’s errors (25-11) – to clinch their first victory in the week-long competition.
Coach Arnold Laniog of Petro Gazz told his players not to underestimate the Highlanders of coach Yul Benosa.
“I told my players that this match had two tendencies—it’s either they got starstruck or they would be challenged as they played us with no pressure,” said Laniog, whose wards will be taking on reigning Premier Volleyball League (PVL) champion Chery Tiggo on Sunday at 4 p.m.
And even without Chery Tiggo’s superstar Jaja Santiago who is presently playing in Japan and the injured Shaya Adorador (knee), Laniog believes the Crossovers are one of the teams to beat in the league organized by the PNVFI led by Ramon “Tats” Suzara.
“Their experience as a champion is always there with anyone who will play inside the court. On our part, we will stick to the plan,” Laniog added.
Ces Molina led the Angels with 12 points highlighted by eight on attacks, three service points and a block. Grethcel Soltones added eight points, while Jerrili Malabanan, who scored the league’s first point, had seven points for the Angels.
Saet came through in 13 excellent sets while libero Kath Arado collected 15 digs and six receptions in the tournament which has Rebisco, Pitmaster Foundation Inc., Top Speed, 1Pacman Partylist, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee as platinum sponsors and F2 Logistics, Asics, PLDT, MVP Sports Foundation and Mikasa as gold sponsors and BCDA.
Philippine Red Cross, Lipa City, Davis Paint and Emerald PVC Pipes, Fittings and Doors are the silver sponsors with PNVF godfather, Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman of the Champions League, giving his full support.
Despite the beating, Benosa said they were grateful of the opportunity to play Petro Gazz.
“We enjoyed the game and they were really amazed to play in this high level tournament. They tried their best not to be intimidated,” Benosa said, whose team has an average age of 21.
Ann Atuban and Blesie Royo each had six points to lead Baguio.
The games are live streamed over the PNVF official website volleyballphilippines.com, iWantTFC for local and international audiences, Puso Pilipinas and Smart Sports Facebook pages and YouTube channels and Gigaplay.
Image courtesy of PNVF