Petro Gazz overcame grueling duels in the first two sets before dominating the third to complete a sweep of Akari, 28-26, 29-27, 25-18, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Angels displayed immense resilience in the first two frames, which carried over to their dominant performance in the third, securing a 3-1 record and forging a tie with PLDT and Chery Tiggo for third to fifth place.
Brooke Van Sickle and Myla Pablo once again took charge for Petro Gazz. The former registered 19 points on 15 attacks, three kill blocks, and one ace to go along with 13 excellent digs and five excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, Pablo had 15 points on 13 attacks, an ace, and a block.
(C) PVL Images
“Coming off our rest, we haven’t played in a while so to be able to come out and stay focused in those tight matches was awesome. I’m super proud of everyone,” said the reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP.
“Sabi lang sa’min ni coach na smile lang kahit matambakan kami sa game. Iba rin kasi kapag naka-smile sa loob ng court, kumbaga halos lahat nadadala sa energy ng bawat kasama,” added Pablo.
The Angels overcame a 16-11 deficit in the opener, with back-to-back blocks clinching the win in an extended set. Petro Gazz once again showcased grit in the second frame, fending off the Chargers’ hijack attempt and saving five set points to secure a 2-0 lead.
Riding the momentum of their first two set victories, the Angels dominated early in the third with a 6-0 start, maintaining control throughout. Van Sickle, Pablo, Aiza Maizo, and Nicole Tiamzon delivered the finishing touches to cap off the sweep.
Maizo and Remy Palma added seven points each in the win, while Djanel Cheng chipped in four markers to go along with nine excellent sets to help Petro Gazz secure back-to-back victories.
The Angels will finish off the year against Cignal on December 14 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig in hopes of extending their winning streak to three games.
(C) PVL Images
On the other hand, Akari’s woes continued following a 2-0 start, dropping their last three games to fall to 2-3 in the standings tied with Choco Mucho in the eighth spot.
Ivy Lacsina posted 21 points, all on attacks, while Grethcel Soltones and Eli Soyud registered 11 and 10 points in a losing effort.
The Chargers will return on January 18 against PLDT at the Philsports Arena as well.
