Petro Gazz Angels’ veteran player Aiza Maizo Pontillas in the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Aiza Maizo-Pontillas turned back the clock to jumpstart Petro Gazz’s semifinal campaign in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Pontillas displayed her vintage form with 18 points including three blocks to lead the Angels’ collective effort to avert a slow start and trounce the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, led by young spiker Eya Laure, 20-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-16, on Tuesday evening at Philsports Arena.
The veteran opposite spiker gave Petro Gazz a 1-0 start in the semis tied with Choco Mucho, which overcame defending champion Creamline in five sets. If the Angels and Flying Titans win their respective assignments on Thursday, they will forge a best-of-three title series starting next week.
SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals 2024
Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara lauded the 36-year-old hitter for stepping up to his challenge to rise to the occasion in the semifinal round.
“She’s a good player. She has a good experience. I told her to show her leadership and take advantage of the mismatches. I’m very satisfied with her performance. The credit goes to Nang,” said the Japanese coach.
Brooke Van Sickle, who led the way with 21 points, 12 digs, and eight excellent receptions, believes Pontillas also keeps the team together through her mother-like leadership.
READ: PVL: Petro Gazz subdues Chery Tiggo to gain early lead in semis
“She’s a fantastic player. Everyone looks up to her. She’s kinda like a mom figure in a way, she takes care of everyone on and off the court so definitely very grateful to be teammates with her,” said the league’s leading scorer of her veteran teammate.
MJ Phillips, who just played her second game back with Petro Gazz, finishing with 16 points, was hardly surprised by Pontillas’ vintage performance, which extended the Angels winning streak to six games while ending the Crossovers’ seven-game winning run.
“It’s always there. She’s a legend for a reason and I think it really showed today. I’m so proud of her,” said the Korean V-League middle blocker.
Petro Gazz eyes its fourth All-Filipino Conference Finals appearance, facing defending champion Creamline on Thursday at Philsports Arena before wrapping up its semis campaign against Choco Mucho on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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