ANTIPOLO — Make it eight straight wins for Petro Gazz after cruising past Galeries Tower, 25-18, 25-18, 25-22, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Ynares Center.
The Angels are now assured of at least a top two finish in prelims play ahead of one last assignment against a hapless Nxled side.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas exemplified Petro Gazz’ dominant run of form with 12 attack points after picking up its fifth straight-sets victory of the conference — second-most in the league behind unbeaten Creamline with six.
Galeries Tower slid further down the pecking order with its fifth straight defeat and ninth in total over a 10-game stretch.
The PVL’s newest power duo in Myla Pablo and reigning MVP Brooke Van Sickle showed no signs of slowing down as they finished with 17 and 15 points apiece.
Only the newest Highriser in Jho Maraguinot hit double figures as they draw level with Capital1 in 10th place, making it likely for them to meet the Angels again come next month’s qualifying round.
Experience still the best teacher for Angels
Pablo still stands tall as one of the league’s longstanding pioneers who continue to deliver vintage numbers for the two-time PVL champions.
As the Angels grow younger through the years, with more rookies and new faces entering the fray, it has become imperative for Pablo to not only play by her strengths but also lead by example.
“Nire-remind naman namin ‘yung mga bata na siyempre, hindi rin maiiwasan na ma-down din sila o mawalan ng confidence sa loob ng court. Ginagabayan namin sila at tinataas talaga ‘yung confidence nila tuwing nakakalaro sila,” the former PVL MVP said.
“Kami ‘yung mga nakakatanda eh. Sabi nga ni coach (Koji Tsuzurabara), kami ‘yung mga beterana na dapat nakagabay sa mga bata palagi. Naging factor din talaga ‘yun sa magandang laro namin sa loob.”
A good rapport with the team veterans, according to rookie Donnalyn Paralejas, has worked wonders for her and the Angels amid their unstoppable win streak.
“Sa training pa lang po, nag-aasaran kami. Kapag pumapalo si ate My, puputuhin tapos aasarin tapos babawi rin sila (na veterans). Gumaganda po ‘yung kinalabasan (ng samahan namin) sa mga laro dahil mas tumatapang din kami (na mga bata).”
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