The Angels starred on their solid defense to edge the Army led by Ria Meneses who posted nine of the team’s 15 blocks in the match that was hampered with hours of delays due to the rainy weather condition.

The game was stopped at 4:46 p.m. as heavy rain rendered some spots of the PCV Socia-Civic Cultural Center court slippery, but the Angels showed resilience as four players highlighted the match in double figures. 

The explosive trio of Myla Pablo, Grethcel Soltones, and Ces Molina did not fail the squad, blockings of Meneses and Remy Palma that brought tremendous defense in the net as well as multi-awarded libero Kath Arado made sure floor defense of the Angels was on point. 

“Given na may circumstances na nade-delay, ‘yung mindset naman namin whatever challenges na humarap, embrace lang namin ang importante at makagalaw kami nang maayos,” Petro Gazz head coach Arnold Laniog said. 

“Tulad kanina, ang tagal nung paghihintay but yung mga players umaasa pa rin na matuloy kaya kahit papaano. Ayun nakalaro pa rin ng maayos,” hecontinued.

Soltones, signed by Petro Gazz last year, pumped in 18 points with 15 digs and 12 excellent receptions, while Pablo and Molina delivered 16 and 15 points, respectively. 

But it was Meneses who proved to be an impenetrable wall with 16 points off nine blocks out of the team’s 15 kill blocks and had six attacks and an ace in the match that including delays dragged on for five hours and six minutes.

The Angels immediately overpowered the Lady Troopers in the opening set and led 4-1 in the second frame but the action was stopped for three hours due to the heavy rain and continued when the conditions were deemed playable. 

Gonzaga top-scored the Army with her 18 points, 16 digs, and 14 excellent receptions followed by Bunag and Tubino who chipped in 14 and 13 points, respectively.