Rain or Shine clinches fifth win over Blackwater Bossing
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Petro Gazz outperforms PLDT in five-set thriller
The Petro Gazz Angels bolstered their quarterfinal chances in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference with a hard-fought five-set victory over the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Saturday, August 17, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With Petro Gazz import Wilma Salas unleashing her full strength, the Angels strung together three straight wins, 22-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19, 16-14, to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals.
The Cuban import unloaded 40 points on 36 attacks, three blocks, and an ace while also providing steady defense with 21 excellent receptions.
Salas earned her nod as PVL Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of August 13 to 17 after delivering a career-high 74 points in two games against Creamline last Tuesday, August 13, and PLDT on Saturday, August 17, towing the Angels past powerhouse opponents and into a 4-3 win-loss record.
She surpassed her previous best of 37 points set in 2019.
PHOTO COURTESY: PVL MEDIA BUREAU
“My personal motivation is the team because when we go to the court, we don’t think about winning or losing but staying together. I think this is the power of Petro Gazz,” said Salas, who tallied a fifth-highest scoring game in PVL history.
Brooke Van Sickle added 32 points to the Angels’ tally.
Russian reinforcement Lena Samoilenko led the way for the High Speed Hitters with 25 points and seven receptions, while Erika Santos chimed in with 18 markers.
The quartet of Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, Fiona Ceballos, and rookie Kiesha Bedonia also contributed eight points apiece in the defeat.
Petro Gazz looks to end the second round with a fourth straight win against Chery Tiggo on Thursday, August 22, at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan, while PLDT will close its prelims schedule against Choco Mucho on Thursday as well.
