In a thrilling opener that capped the first day of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Petro Gazz rallied past Choco Mucho in four sets, 25-20, 26-28, 25-21, 25-16, to kick off their season with a statement victory on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Brooke Van Sickle was the undeniable star, exploding for 34 points off 28 attacks, four aces, and two kill blocks. She also contributed 14 digs to power the Angels through a tense contest.
Despite a hiccup in the second set, Petro Gazz surged ahead with a dominant fourth frame, fueled by Van Sickle’s relentless scoring and clutch play to finish off the Flying Titans.
“Choco [Mucho] is a fantastic team and you know, just to be able to squeak a win out of them is huge. Good job to them, good job to my teammates and everything. Yeah, I’m very proud of them,” said the Filipino-American outside spiker.
(C) PVL Images
Petro Gazz built a 12-8 advantage early in the fourth set before Van Sickle scored four consecutive points to power a 10-3 blast. Those points broke the game wide open and gave the Angels a sizable 22-11 lead.
Sisi Rondina tried to bring the Flying Titans back but it was not enough, as AA Adolfo and Remy Palma put on the finishing touches for the Angels.
“Siyempre isa ‘to sa mga game na kailangan ipanalo kasi dito ka kukuha ng momentum, sa tulong ng mga coaching staff at sa pag-eenjoy ng mga players inside the court.,” said new Petro Gazz assistant coach Brian Esquibel.
“Lagi na sinasabi ni Coach Koji (Tsuzurabara), kailangan nilang makita, alamin kung ano ang nangyayari inside the court, para alam din namin. Para alam din namin kung ano gagawin inside the court,” he added.
Jonah Sabete and Aiza Pontillas backstopped Van Sickle with 18 points each in the victory, while Palma added 10 points.
Petro Gazz takes on rival and defending champion Creamline on Saturday, 6:30 PM at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Defensive aces Jellie Tempiatura and Baby Love Barbon tallied 11 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions, respectively.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Choco Mucho was led by the returning Rondina with 18 points, 13 receptions, and six digs in the loss.
Nunag and Kat Tolentino added 12 points each for the Flying Titans.
Choco Mucho looks to bounce back against Galeries Tower on Thursday, 4:00 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
