Petro Gazz, Foton outduel Akari, Gerflor in classification round to wrap campaigns

Also-ran squads Petro Gazz and Foton ended their respective campaigns on a high note after defeating Akari and Gerflor in the classification round of the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The Angels escaped the Chargers in five sets, pulling off a 25-19, 25-18, 20-25, 20-25, 15-7 victory to finish at the ninth spot while the Tornadoes took the Defenders by storm with a 26-24, 13-25, 25-21, 26-24 win to claim the 11th spot.

Grethcel Soltones led the charge for Petro Gazz, pouring in 19 points built on 15 attacks, three blocks, and an ace together with 11 digs and 14 excellent receptions while Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Marian Buitre each chipped in 10 markers.

Petro Gazz, last conference's runner-up, finished the eliminations with a 3-2 win-loss card while Akari had a 1-3 slate.

In the opening game, Foton recovered from a Set 2 meltdown to keep Gerflor winless. Shaya Adorador once again starred as the former UE standout churned out 22 points laced with 13 excellent receptions.

The Tornadoes also got a huge lift from Seth Rodriguez and Nene Bautista, who finished with 13 and nine markers apiece.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News