PETROGAZZ and Chery Tiggo surged closer to clinching semifinals berths in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference after besting also-ran foes at the Santa Rosa Multipurpose Sports Complex yesterday.

The Angels coasted to their fourth consecutive win after ramming past Galeries Tower, 25-7, 25-21, 25-17, while the Crossovers subdued Akari, 25-17, 25-20, 25-17, to extend their winning streak to six.

PetroGazz and Chery Tiggo improved to 8-2 to force a four-way tie with Choco Mucho and Creamline.

Despite the tie in win-loss records, the Angels’ 25 points secured them the coveted No. 1 spot at this stage of the competition, especially with the straight-set romp of the Highrisers.

The Flying Titans and the Cool Smashers have identical 24-point tallies, while the Crossovers currently have 23.

Cignal was bundled out of semifinals contention prior to the PLDT match after the victories recorded by Chery Tiggo and PetroGazz.

In case of ties, the PVL points system will determine the semifinalists, pushing the contenders to pursue sweeps to secure crucial point ratios.

With Nxled, another eliminated team, as its last prelims assignment next Saturday, PetroGazz remains vigilant, wary of potential spoilers.

“Pinaghahandaan namin bawat laro,” said Jonah Sabete, who had 11 points, two blocks and two service aces.

Reflecting on the team’s rise, Sabete credited the Angels’ teamwork, saying: “Medyo maganda ang balanse ng team, may veterans at may mga bata. Pero kailangan pa ding mag-connect ng mga batang players sa mga beterana.”

She also underscored the need for sharper attacks and stronger blocking skills, recognizing areas for further improvement as they progress in the competition.

“Sa mga previous games, medyo shaky ang atake at blocking namin, so kailangan na ayusin pa,” Sabete said.

Brooke Van Sickle led PetroGazz’s charge with 17 points on 13-of-23 attacks and fired three service aces that went along with nine digs and four receptions. Remy Palma had eight kills, while Marian Buitre, logged a match-best four blocks.

France Ronquilo’s six points proved to be the best scoring output for Galeries Tower. She also had six receptions and four digs.

Eya Laure had 14 points on 9-of-18 kills, three blocks and two service aces, Ara Galang had two blocks for a nine-point outing while Aby Maraño, EJ Laure and Cza Carandang each scored seven points.

Libero Jen Nierva logged 11 receptions and nine digs.

Games Tuesday:

(Philsports Arena)
4 p.m. – Nxled vs Capital1
6 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Farm Fresh