MANILA – Aiza Maizo-Pontillas had a throwback game as Petro Gazz Angels prevailed over Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 20-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-16, in the PVL 1st All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Tuesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The former University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses standout finished with 18 points, built on 15 attacks and three blocks, to earn the Player of the Game honors for the Angels.
Maizo-Pontillas stated that communication became a key factor in the Angels’ come-from-behind triumph after being rattled during their 20-25 first-set defeat to the Crossovers.
“Nung first set siguro nara-rattle kami, hindi namin alam ‘yung gagawin namin, hindi maayos ‘yung mga ginagawa namin, pero eventually naayos naman kasi nag usap usap kami,” the Passi, Iloilo-native said.
“Malaking bagay sa amin ‘yung communication inside the court kasi naging maayos ‘yung laro namin today,” added Maizo-Pontillas, the only Filipina volleyball player to capture championships in five major leagues in the Philippines.
The Angels, now with a 1-0 win-loss slate in the single-round robin semifinals, will next face the defending champion Creamline Cool Smashers, which is on a must-win game to keep their title-defense alive.
Meanwhile, Cherry Rondina delivered clutch conversions in the fifth set as Choco Mucho Flying Titans pulled off a 13-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, and 18-16 triumph against the Cool Smashers.
With the score tied at 16-all late in the fifth set, Rondina unloaded a booming hit to send the Flying Titans to match point, 17-16. She then followed it up with an off-the-block hit to give Choco Mucho their first-ever PVL win over sister team Creamline.Rondina finished the game with 23 points, built on 21 attacks, one block, and a service ace, as the Flying Titans secured their first victory in the single-round robin semifinals round.
“Kanina sa game, crina-cramps na ako, pero ang inisip ko na lang is kailangan kong tulungan ‘yung mga teammates ko inside the court,” Rondina said. “Masaya naman at nagbunga ‘yung mga trinabaho namin sa training.”/PN
