Army routs undermanned Choco Mucho; PLDT outlasts Petro Gazz in thriller

Army Black Mamba took advantage of an undermanned Choco Mucho squad as the veteran-laden team drew a 25-22, 22-25, 26-24, 25-19 victory in the 2022 PVL Invitational Conference on Tuesday.

With Choco Mucho missing four key players including Kat Tolentino and Des Cheng, Army turned to seasoned opposite hitter Jovelyn Gonzaga who starred with 13 points and 19 excellent receptions.

Veteran Nene Bautista also came out with nine markers and 18 digs as Army improved to 2-1 while the Flying Titans dropped to 1-2 behind a two-game losing skid.

Meanwhile, PLDT shrugged off an opening set letdown and hacked out a 22-25, 25-22, 25-17, 21-25, 16-15 five-set victory over strong contender Petro Gazz to bounce back from a previous loss.

Jules Samonte stepped up big time for the High Speed Hitters, churning out a team-high 18 points to go with 15 digs while Mika Reyes and Toni Rose Basas chipped in 13 markers each.

PLDT is now in a two-way tie at third place with Army.

—JMB, GMA News