Petro puts one foot in semis

MANILA, Philippines — The Petro Gazz Angels knew they needed to overcome the Cignal HD Spikers, the last of their stronger foes, for them to theoretically make the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals.

They did.

Delivering possibly its strongest performance in the conference to date, Petro Gazz overpowered a surprisingly timid Cignal in a 25-13, 25-18, 25-17 victory yesterday at the PhilSports Arena that put them on the threshold of claiming a semis seat.

It was the Angels’ seventh victory in nine outings.

While needing one more win to officially advance, Petro Gazz’ Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara’s charges are already almost in since their last two elimination-round assignments are lower-ranked Galeries Tower (3-6) on Saturday in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Nxled (3-6) on April 27 in Pasig.

“Siyempre unang-una, masaya lahat dahil lumilinaw daan papunta semis,” said Petro Gazz captain Remy Joy Palma, who contributed eight points.

“Pero hindi pa tapos elimination round, hindi kami pwede mag relax, kailangan pa namin matapos maayos elimination tapos tignan namin saan kami aabutin,” added Palma.

High flying, power-hitting Jonah Sabete, who paced all hitters with 16 points while presiding over Petro Gazz’ floor defense with 12 digs, agreed.

“Hindi namin minamaliit next games,” she stressed. Brooke Van Sickle was also a force as she unleashed 13 points.

In another crucial duel in the super tight race to the semis, Chery Tiggo shackled PLDT, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20, to catch up with the latter, Creamline and Petro Gazz at No. 2 with 7-2 cards.

It was the Crossovers’ fourth win in a row that included mammoth wins over contenders Creamline, Petro Gazz and Cignal while ending the High Speed Hitters’ five-game juggernaut.