PETRO Gazz’ post-Koji Tsuzurabara era is off on a high note.
The Angels snapped a two-game skid at the expense of Choco Mucho, 20-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-17, in the 2025 PVL on Tour preliminary-round finale on Tuesday in Candon City - their first since the resignation of their coach.
READ Coach Koji on sudden exit: 'I have no confidence in Petro Gazz'
With interim coach Brian Esquibel calling the shots, the defending champions kept hold of the No. 4 seed in Pool A and will face Pool B’s fifth-ranked team Akari in the knockout round.
"Para sa mga bata talaga 'to eh. Nakita niyo naman kung papano sila nagtulong-tulong. ‘Yung effort nila kahit mahabang rally, kami ‘yung nakakuha ng puntos dahil hindi sila bumibigay. Nandu'n pa rin ‘yung pusong kampeon ng mga bata," Esquibel said.
Myla Pablo was at her best self with 23 points and 16 receptions, but it was Nicole Tiamzon off the bench who delivered in the home stretch with 16 points and 12 digs.
AIza Maizo-Pontillas and Ranya Musa had 10 points each.
Returning libero Bang Pineda put up a 13-dig, 12-reception double-double in her first match back with the Angels after over two years.
Refueled Angels start strong
Choco Mucho was on track to take control of the match in the third frame with a set point on hand at 24-23.
In return, Petro Gazz went on a quick three-point run courtesy of a Pontillas power hit, a costly attack error from Choco Mucho rookie Ayesha Juegos and a set-clinching ace from Marian Buitre.
Another strong start from the Flying Titans come Set 4 went for naught as Buitre & Co. scored 13 of the game's last 15 points to lock in the No. 4 seed in Pool B.
Juegos dished out 16 points in Choco Mucho's fourth straight preseason loss behind Cherry Nunag's 17-piece.
Next for the Flying Titans in the knockout round is a win-or-go home duel with ZUS Coffee for a quarterfinals spot.
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