Petro Gazz survives gallant Perlas to finish third in PNVF Champions League

Petro Gazz dropped the crucial third set but was able to recover to turn back the gutsy Tuguegarao Perlas Spikers, 25-11, 26-24, 19-25, 25-20, and finish third in the maiden PNVF Champions League on Thursday in Lipa City, Batangas.

Middle blocker Riri Meneses led Petro Gazz with team-high 19 points while Ces Molina and Grethcel Soltones each poured in 14 and 11 markers.

The Angels, bannered by mostly veteran players, momentarily lost their momentum when Perlas took the third frame to extend the match.

But the wards of head coach Arnold Laniog rose to the occasion in the fourth set, leading Perlas, 16-8, with seasoned spikers Molina, Meneses, and Soltones keying their plays.

Perlas, however, was able to cut the deficit to four off a series of errors from the Petro Gazz side, 20-24. Meneses, who had been hot throughout the game, sealed the deal with a quick hit.

Guinoo sparked off the bench for Perlas, producing 16 points as her team wrapped up the short tourney in fourth place while Michelle Morente and Nicole Tiamzon carved out 13 points each.

Petro Gazz will finish the tournament with a 3-2 card while Perlas capped their stint at 2-3. — LA, GMA News