Petro Gazz storms back into contention

MANILA, Philippines — Petro Gazz unleashed its devastating attacking game as it ripped Akari apart, 25-13, 25-14, 25-20, yesterday to storm back into contention in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.

Lindsey Vander Weide went on full-scale offensive as she bashed her way through the Chargers’ reed-thin net defense to power the Angels to their second win in three outings and back in the semis hunt.

The power-spiking American ended up firing a match-high 21 points including 18 kills in just three quick sets while MJ Phillips provided some of the ammos and chipped in 11 hits.

In the main offering, Creamline flattened Cignal, 25-18, 22-25, 25-22, 25-12, to reclaim a share of lead with Chery Tiggo on perfect 3-0 slates.

The HD Spikers tripped to 1-2.

Petro Gazz coach Rald Ricafort said it was setter Djanel Cheng’s connection with Vander Weide and Phillips that spelled the biggest difference.

Cheng wound up with 14 excellent sets, most which consummated by Vander Weide and Phillips.

“Cheng’s chemistry with Lindsey and MJ helped us and we hope to continue to maximize on that,” said Ricafort.

It also made up for Petro Gazz’s heartbreaking 25-19, 16-25, 25-18, 27-25 defeat to Creamline at the PhilSports Arena last Tuesday.

“It was a good win and obviously it’s always great to win in three sets,” said Vander Weide.

“But I think the most important thing is we really played together today (yesterday) and we improved on some of the things we want to from the last games so I think that felt really good,” she added.

Three-time Olympian Prisilla Rivera of the Dominican Republic tried to put up a fight as she unloaded 19 hits, 17 of which came off attacks.