MANILA, Philippines – For the first time in franchise history, the Petro Gazz Angels are queens of the PVL All-Filipino Conference after toppling the Creamline Cool Smashers dynasty in a stunning winner-take-all Game 3 finale, 25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 25-19, at the sold-out PhilSports Arena on Saturday, April 12.
In front of 10,226 fans at the packed venue that featured massive lines hours before first serve, the Angels claimed their third franchise PVL championship after ruling the Reinforced Conference twice, the last time being the 2022 import-laden tournament.
Back-to-back MVP Brooke Van Sickle unleashed 21 points built on 17 attacks, 2 aces, and 2 blocks as Jonah Sabete, who delivered the championship point, also came through with 16 points.
MJ Philips, who finished with 15 points, bagged the Finals MVP.
Seizing momentum off a massive 15-6 swing from down 15-10 in the first set to take a 25-21 edge, Petro Gazz’s fire reached blistering levels in the second frame, as it turned a small 10-7 lead to a 21-11 blowout off a pivotal 11-4 charge, ending with back-to-back Djanel Cheng aces to set the stage for what looked like a sweep.
Petro Gazz kept control all the same in the third, pulling ahead, 12-8, but Creamline managed to turn things around behind Lorie Bernardo to avoid an embarrassing sweep.
By the fourth set, the Angels looked more poised amid the Cool Smashers’ challenge, wresting the lead back, 16-15, and holding on the rest of the way with Van Sickle dictating the tempo.
Bernadeth Pons led Creamline with 17 points, while Jema Galanza added 15. – Rappler.com