Angels step on gas, nail semis berth
Games Tuesday (PhilSports Arena) 2:30 p.m. – Cignal vs Choco Mucho 5:30 p.m. – F2 vs Petro Gazz
Petro Gazz drew a vintage performance from Aiza Pontillas as it overpowered United Auctioneers-Army, 25-13, 25-12, 25-19, yesterday to barge into the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Pontillas, 34, stepped up big in the absence of Jonah Sabete and drilled in 12 points, including 10 on kills, to assist the Angels in booking their fifth win in seven outings and a spot to the next round.
There, they joined the Creamline Cool Smashers (7-1) and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers (6-2).
“This is extra special since we made the semis because of this victory,” said Pontillas, a former V-League MVP who is also a mythical figure at University of Santo Tomas where she won multiple championships.
Pontillas said the job is not done yet as they play F2 Logistics at the PhilSports Arena on Tuesday for their final elimination-round game.
“It will be a great fight and we will try to play our style of play,” she said.
Pontillas heroics helped eased the burden from powerhitting American Lindsey Vander Weide, who spearheaded all scorers with 20 hits that was made more impressive since she did the feat in just three quick sets.
MJ Philips also lent a big helping hand and chipped in 10 points.
Petro Gazz coach Rald Ricafort said they succeeded in their goal on not letting up regardless of the opponent.
“We want to go every game, regardless of who we face, seeking to build momentum going into the semis. Good thing we got this in three sets,” said Ricafort.
Vander Weide said they’re looking forward to a muchawaited showdown with F2.
“I told MJ (Philips) and the team I want to feel good going into the F2 game get that strong feeling going into the semifinals,” she said.
The Lady Troopers ended their campaign winless in eight games.