Bang Pineda shines in her return as Petro Gazz ends its two-game skid in the PVL On Tour

The Petro Gazz Angels received a major boost midway through the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour offseason tournament after veteran libero Bang Pineda re-signed with the franchise.

Pineda returned to Petro Gazz after spending two years with the Akari Chargers/Nxled Chameleons and hardly missed a beat on her second debut, leading the Angels to an important 20-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-17 win over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the Candon City Arena on Tuesday, July 29.

Pineda led from the front with 13 digs and 12 excellent receptions, helping Petro Gazz snap a two-game losing streak. She received solid support from Player of the Game Nicole Tiamzon, who finished with 16 points and 12 excellent digs, while veteran Myla Pablo contributed 23 points and 16 excellent receptions. Aiza Pontillas and Ranya Musa chipped in with 10 points each.

Here’s a first look at Bang Pineda in Petro Gazz’s current threads. #PVLonTour

The returning libero is expected to make her debut as Petro Gazz takes on Choco Mucho to close out group play. #PVL2025 pic.twitter.com/6YEmDzwZB5

— The Game Magazine (@thegamemagph) July 29, 2025

Brian Esquibel, who has been promoted to interim head coach following Koji Tsuzurabara’s shock exit, tipped his hat to the returning Pineda for strengthening their defense.

“Bang really helped us a lot on defense. She still has that strong connection and chemistry with her former teammates here, so when her spot opened up, we didn’t even think twice about bringing her in,” Esquibel said in the post-match press conference.

“We just really focused on our floor defense. That’s what was missing during our three-game losing streak. We had the offense, but our defense was really lacking. So we concentrated on improving our blocking, floor defense, even our service,” he added.

The victory ensured that Petro Gazz finished fourth in the Pool A standings with a 2–3 win-loss record, setting up a clash with fifth-seed Akari Chargers in a knockout game for a chance to secure a quarterfinal spot.

The win was more than just a morale booster for Pineda and the Angels, who now have a short break to recharge before facing Akari on Tuesday, August 5, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

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