More than uncorking a professional career-high on offense, Grethcel Soltones played a bigger role in keeping Petro Gazz together in its delay-filled five-set win over F2 Logistics in Pool B of the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference yesterday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The former league Most Valuable Player was cool and composed in the Angels’ 20-25, 25-22, 25-12, 33-35, 15-9, victory that kept them in the hunt for a semifinal spot.
Soltones was there to remind her teammates to keep their heads on the game and their emotions in check during tense moments, especially during long lulls in the fifth set.
She was even the one calming down head coach Oliver Almadro as officials took time to deliberate on crucial challenges.
“Yeah, coach admitted feeling too tense at times because he just wanted to fight for our points. So, I was just telling coach, ‘Relax, let’s leave it to them. Whatever their decision, let’s go, forget about it.’”
Her display of maturity was a big factor in the Angels’ escape for a third straight win in four outings to tie their erstwhile unbeaten rivals at the top spot.
Soltones capped her night with 31 points highlighted by 26 spikes including the game-winning heat that sealed the three-hour, 13-minute match.
“Actually, I did not expect that (career-high) because all I want is my team to go to the semis. I just told myself that I want this game,” she said.
“I need to calm down at every point or in crucial times, and I remind my teammates that we are not new to this. We can do this.”
