Petro Gazz escapes returning Foton in four-set romp

Petro Gazz spoiled Foton's comeback to the volleyball scene as it escaped with a 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 25-20 victory to barge into the win column of the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The Angels, who dropped their opening day game against Cignal, improved to an even 1-1 card while the Tornadoes opened their campaign at 0-1.

The Angels turned to veteran spiker Grethcel Soltones in the pivotal fourth set as she unleashed back-to-back attacks that sent them to the second technical timeout carrying a 16-14 lead.

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas then went for her familiar opposite hammer for a 20-16 cushion before Soltones took advantage of Foton's single block to bring them to the match point, 24-20.

Remy Palma's ace put the icing on the cake as the Angels, last conference's runners-up, earned their first victory despite missing the services of top middle blocker MJ Phillips.

Soltones finished with 17 points anchored on 14 attacks, two aces, and a block while Maizo-Pontillas and Palma each poured in 13 markers with the former chipping in 13 digs and 12 receptions.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News