Myla Pablo rose to the occasion as fifth-seeded Petro Gazz dethroned fourth-ranked Creamline in four sets, 25-23, 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, to advance to the semifinals of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
American import Lindsey Vander Weide exited the match early in the opening set due to a right ankle injury, setting the stage for Pablo to step up and carry the Angels back to the semifinals of the import-laced tournament.
This, all while handing the Cool Smashers the worst finish in their franchise history.
The 32-year-old former league MVP showcased vintage form, exploding for 26 points built on 23 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. She also tallied seven excellent digs and seven excellent receptions to fuel the Angels’ gritty win.
(C) PVL Images
“Siyempre nagulat din sa nangyari kay Lindsey, pero siyempre ako… Nung pumasok ako, kumbaga walang pressure din sa loob ng court. Kasi kapag may pressure ka, medyo hindi mo maiilabas ‘yung laro mo eh,” Pablo said after the victory.
Vander Weide was taken to the dugout in a wheelchair after landing on teammate Ranya Musa’s foot during a block attempt at 6-all in the first set. She later returned in the fourth set to support Pablo and Brooke Van Sickle from the bench.
With Pablo, Van Sickle, and even a cheering Vander Weide combining their efforts, Petro Gazz erased an early 6-7 deficit. It unleashed a blistering 10-1 run — capped by a Pablo ace — to seize a commanding 16-6 lead that broke Creamline’s resistance.
“It was a team depth that helped us because one of our starters went down, and I could tell the girls, you know, a lot of girls aren’t given playing time. I told them to keep [ready] when their number’s called, perform, and Myla did that,” said Petro Gazz head coach Gary Van Sickle.
Brooke, who partnered with Pablo while Vander Weide sat out the first three sets, delivered an all-around performance of 19 points, 12 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions. MJ Phillips added 10 markers.
Vander Weide, meanwhile, returned at the start of the fourth set and finished with six points.
The Angels will face Akari in the semifinals on Thursday at the same venue.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, the Cool Smashers missed the podium for the first time since joining the league in 2017, bringing an end to a remarkable streak of 19 consecutive top-three finishes.
Courtney Schwan led Creamline with 17 points and nine excellent digs. Jeanette Panaga and Tots Carlos chipped in 14 and 13 points, respectively.
