Recharged PetroGazz downs Choco Mucho, moves 1 win away from bronze

PetroGazz is now a win away from securing the bronze medal in the 2021 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.

The Angels, who are fresh from a one-day break, defeated Choco Mucho, 25-21, 25-15, 22-25, 25-20, in Game 1 of their best-of-three battle for third on Wednesday at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

PetroGazz ran like a well-oiled machine right from the get-go.

Quick to establish a 22-19 lead over the Flying Titans in the first set, veteran Myla Pablo attacked from the opposite side to put them at a comfortable 23-21 advantage.

Two consecutive points from Ces Molina put the finishing touches for PetroGazz, 25-21.

PetroGazz, who was swept by Creamline in the semifinals, had a finer showing in the second frame after a huge 10-point upperhand, 23-13.

Choco Mucho's Ponggay Gaston hit a down-the-line to try to cut the deficit, but an attack error from her had her team staring at a 0-2 set hole.

Choco Mucho pulled away in the third frame to keep its bid alive as Kat Tolentino went for a kill from the open, 25-22, to make it a 1-2 affair.

PetroGazz took advantage of a weary Choco Mucho side in the fourth set, 25-20, after Flying Titans' team captain Maddie Madayag hurt her left knee and had to be escorted away on a wheelchair.

Pablo led PetroGazz as she unleashed 26 points off 25 attacks and an ace.

—MGP, GMA News