The Petro Gazz Angels aim to overcome offseason hurdles and secure a PVL on Tour quarterfinals slot against the Akari Chargers.
The Petro Gazz Angels will collide in a do-or-die battle for a PVL on Tour quarterfinals berth against the Akari Chargers on Tuesday, August 5, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Angels, reigning All-Filipino Conference champions, battled through a challenging group stage without Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips, who are currently on national team duty.
Petro Gazz finished as the no. 4 seed in Pool B with a 2-3 slate, but a crucial win in their last outing gave them the lifeline they needed.
Interim coach Brian Esquibel, who took over following Koji Tsuzurabara's shock departure, steered Petro Gazz to a much-needed four-set victory over Nxled, 20-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-17, in Ilocos Sur to seal their playoff ticket.
With their coaching situation still in transition, the Angels will rely heavily on veteran Aiza Maizo-Pontillas to provide leadership and scoring stability.
Supporting her are key contributors like Myla Pablo and Jonah Sabete, who are expected to shoulder the offensive load against a well-rested Akari side.
[ALSO READ: Myla Pablo thankful as Petro Gazz claims victory after coaching change]
Despite the hurdles, Petro Gazz remains determined to defend its reputation as one of the league’s top contenders even without its stars.
The winner of the match will face the Cignal HD Spikers in the quarterfinals.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]