Nicole Tiamzon stars as Petro Gazz blanks newcomer Strong Group in PVL opener

Petro Gazz gave newcomer Strong Group Athletics a rude welcome as the Angels carved out a 25-12, 25-20, 25-12 win to open the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.

Veteran open hitter Nicole Tiamzon scattered 15 points to lead all scorers while middle blocker Marian Buitre and Brooke Van Sickle chipped in eight and seven markers apiece as the Angels improved to 1-0.

SGA, which took over the franchise spot from the disbanded Gerflor, put up a fight in the second set behind team captain Dolly Verzosa and Angeli Cane but ultimately fell prey to the perennial title contender Petro Gazz.

Verzosa, a product of Jose Rizal University in the NCAA, put together six points alongside seven receptions while Cane chimed in with four markers. They sank to 0-2 to open their PVL debut.

Petro Gazz, who was coming off a championship run in the PNVF Champions League just days ago, returns to action on Tuesday against Choco Mucho while SGA takes on Chery Tiggo on Saturday.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News