The Petro Gazz Angels and Akari Chargers opened the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday with four-setter wins at the PhilSports Arena.
The Angels and Chargers notched their first wins of the season against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans and the Galeries Tower High Risers, respectively.
Akari Opens New Season in Style
The Akari Chargers and the Galeries Tower High Risers officially opened the PVL All-Filipino Conference, and it was Akari that came out on top to notch the season’s first-ever victory.
It was actually the High Risers who chalked up the opening set of the PVL All-Filipino Conference, winning it in an extended fashion, 30-28. But Akari took the next three sets to notch the first win of the season, 28-30, 25-15, 25-16, 25-23.
The reigning Reinforced Conference runners-up leaned on the comeback of Faith Nisperos and veterans Grethcel Soltones and Ivy Lacsina. Nisperos, who did not play for Akari last conference due to national team duties, fired 16 points off the bench, while Soltones and Lacsina each chipped in 16 points as well. Soltones added 13 excellent digs and 8 receptions.
Rookies Julia Coronel and Jewel Encarnacion led the way for Galeries.
The High Risers next face Choco Mucho on November 14, while Akari’s next game is against the Zus Thunderbelles, also on November 14.
Petro Gazz Leans on Brook Van Sickle to Turn Back Choco Mucho
Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho, two of the PVL’s marquee names and regarded as early contenders, delivered in their much-anticipated clash, with the two teams splitting the first two sets before the Angels imposed their will in the third and fourth sets en route to a 25-20, 26-28, 25-21, 25-16 victory.
Rookie AA Adolfo sealed the Angels’ first victory of the new season with a kill off a Djanel Cheng set after Choco Mucho staved off two match points.
It was a fitting end to a match dominated by Petro Gazz sensation Brooke Van Sickle, who opened the season with a 34-point explosion built on 28 attacks. She also added 14 excellent digs for good measure. Old reliables Jonah Sabete, Aiza Pontillas, and Remy Palma were as dependable as ever, with Sabete and Pontillas adding 18 points apiece and Palma chipping in 10.
Veteran high-flower Sisi Rondina scored 18 points for Choco Mucho, who gave up seven service aces and 24 unforced errors in the four-setter.
The Flying Titans will look to bounce back against Galeries, while Petro Gazz next faces defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers on November 16.
Four More Teams Set to Make Debut on Tuesday
The PVL All-Filipino Conference continues on Tuesday with another doubleheader at the PhilSports Arena. The PLDT High-Speed Hitters will take on the Nxled Chameleons at the curtain riser at 4:00 p.m., while the Cherry Tiggo Crossovers go up against Capital1 Solar Spikers in the main game at 6:30 p.m.
