PVL: Creamline, PetroGazz renew All-Filipino rivalry
CREAMLINE and PetroGazz renew the biggest Premier Volleyball League rivalry, as the two clubs clash for the All-Filipino Conference championship beginning Tuesday at the fabled Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Cool Smashers have won three of their four Finals meetings with the Angels since 2018.
PetroGazz’s return to the league’s biggest stage not only seeking redemption after falling to Creamline in the 2023 title clash, but also riding a tidal wave of momentum following an emphatic sweep of the semifinal round.
That included a morale-boosting four-set triumph over the defending champions – a psychological edge many see as a turning point.
Led by the tactical mind of coach Koji Tsuzurabara, the Angels will enter the Finals with a perfect blend of form, health and hunger. Every player on the roster has stepped up when called upon, delivering in unglamorous but vital ways.
PetroGazz’s Finals-clinching win over Akari featured standout performances not just from its stars Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, MJ Phillips and Jonah Sabete – but also from key bench players like Joy Dacoron, Aiza Pontillas, Ranya Musa and Nicole Tiamzon – all delivering hustle, heart and high-impact contributions.
And then there’s Van Sickle. The explosive scorer is making her first-ever PVL Finals appearance, and the entire Angels squad has rallied around her, determined to make it count.
“We’re rallying behind Brooke since this is her first Finals,” said Pablo, who has also rediscovered her fierce form in time for the most important stretch of the season.
Still, destiny is a bold dream – but the Cool Smashers are a proven dynasty.
Ten championships in 13 championship appearances. A sweep of the last four PVL titles. Undefeated in the All-Filipino format since its addition to the calendar in early 2023. The Cool Smashers are not just champions – they are the gold standard.
Creamline, which swept Choco Mucho Thursday night to secure the other Finals berth, thrives under pressure, its experience in high-stakes battles unmatched in the league.
The Cool Smashers absorbed the semis loss to the Angels with veteran poise, rebounding with statement wins over the Chargers and the Flying Titans to punch their ticket to yet another championship appearance.
For the likes of Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Bernadeth Pons, Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga – the Finals isn’t just familiar territory – it’s home.
Creamline’s bench led by Michele Gumabao is equally formidable. Even as Jema Galanza battles through health setbacks, the Cool Smashers’ depth remains a massive advantage, with coach Sherwin Meneses masterfully managing his rotations and adjustments.
Valdez knows that Van Sickle will be the key to the Angels’ success in the Finals.
“After how many conferences, ito yung well-adjusted si Brooke pagdating sa sistema at disiplina ng Petro Gazz,” Valdez said.
“Makikita natin in sync and she’s fitted to the system already of Petro Gazz, that’s why their movement is so fluent and smooth this conference, up until the last game na hinarap nila,” she added.
“After a very long time of being in the Finals, siyempre maganda rin yung iba-iba ang challenges na naibibigay behind the scenes and dito on the court. Very, very excited.
And Brooke, welcome to the PVL Finals.”
