May 09, 2024

PVL: Petro Gazz marks MJ Phillips' return with win over Nxled to take no. 1 ranking

PVL: Petro Gazz marks MJ Phillips
MJ Phillips helps lift Petro Gazz over Nxled. | Photo (c) PVL

Petro Gazz ended its elimination round campaign in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference atop the standings.


However, it did not come easy, as the Angels bucked a slow start before staving off the Nxled Chameleons, 22-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-22, at the PhilSports Arena Saturday night.

 

The hard-fought win secured the top spot for Petro Gazz with a 9-2 record. The Angels climbed above the Chery Tiggo Crossovers and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the standings due to their higher point total, as all three teams share identical records.


last April 16, came off the bench and entered late in the opening set. She made her presence immensely felt down the stretch, leading her side to victory.


Engaged in a fierce deadlock at 19 in the decisive fourth set, Phillips nailed four differential hits in a 5-2 run that buoyed the Angels to a 24-21 advantage. Kam Cal gave the Chameleons a brief lease on life with a kill off a freebie but Cam Victoria botched a service ace to end the bout.


Phillips finished with 11 points for Petro Gazz, which once again leaned on Brooke Van Sickle.


Van Sickle flaunted her two-way form anew, putting up 26 points built on 22 attacks and four blocks while collecting 15 digs. Her efforts helped the Angels negate Ivy Lacsina’s career-high outing of 28 points laced with nine receptions and eight digs.


Jonah Sabete provided ample support with 12 markers, while Aiza Maizo-Pontillas pitched in 11 points.


Ivy Perez tossed 11 excellents sets for the Angels, who strung 13 digs and 18 receptions from Baby Love Barbon.


On the other hand, the Chameleons, despite a gallant stand, finished their campaign with a 4-7 card in eight place.


Jho Maraguinot poured 15 points and 10 receptions, while Victoria and Lycha Ebon had 11 and 10 markers, respectively, that went for naught.