PetroGazz seeks PVL crown
PETROGAZZ eyes to annex the elusive All-Filipino Conference championship against a Creamline side hoping to force a Finals decider in the Premier Volleyball League today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Angels drew first blood in the best-of-three series night Tuesday, pulling off a gritty 25-17, 25-20, 18-25, 20-25, 15-10 victory over the Cool Smashers.
In a rematch of the 2023 championship showdown, PetroGazz hopes to get the job done this time and not give Creamline a lifeline in the 6:30 p.m.
Two years ago, the Angels had also claimed Game 2, only to suffer a heartbreaking series loss after the resilient Cool Smashers stormed back to win the final two matches to capture the All-Filipino crown.
This time, PetroGazz determined not to let history repeat itself. The Angels are gunning for a third title overall.
“We just can’t think about that time,” said star hitter Brooke Van Sickle, referencing the 2023 meltdown. “We remember it, we take lessons from it, but we’re not going to relive it. One game at a time, one point at a time – we just have to finish it.”
Van Sickle spearheaded the series opening win with a 24-point explosion and 14 digs, igniting PetroGazz and earning praise for her clutch performance. But she knows the battle is far from over.
“I’m expecting Creamline to come out with their best volleyball on Thursday,” she added. “We need to be ready. We can’t let the energy drop, especially not against a team like Creamline.”
Her teammate MJ Phillips, who delivered 16 points – including six in the decisive fifth set – echoed that resolve.
“I just kept looking them (my teammates) in the eyes, like ‘You got me, I got you.’ I treated every point like it was my last,” said Phillips. “And with my team behind me, I was able to do well.”
Despite the momentum, the Angels remain wary of the Cool Smashers’ pedigree. With 10 championships in 13 Finals appearances – including five of the last six titles and a Grand Slam run – Creamline has built a legacy of resilience and championship DNA.
“Creamline is very strong, but my players delivered a very good performance,” said PetroGazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara.
Jonah Sabete and skipper Remy Palma have provided stability and firepower in the opener for the Angels.
“We’ll play Game 2 like there’s no tomorrow,” said Sabete.
“When we see Rem and MJ shouting and lifting the team, it motivates us to bounce back and do what each of us is meant to do,l.
“Super important that we won Game One – it really boosted everyone’s confidence. We just did our individual roles, and then we connected as a team,” she added
To finally break the spell and secure a breakthrough All-Filipino title, PetroGazz knows what it must do.
“We need to bring the energy back, stay consistent, communicate constantly and play as one,” said Van Sickle. “Passing needs improvement – that’s where we broke down in Set 3. And in volleyball, serving and passing are everything. We just have to be better.”
Akari seeks to secure third place in the 4 p.m. clash with Choco Mucho.
