ILAGAN, ISABELA — Wounded but unbroken, Petro Gazz rose from the ashes of its loss to Creamline and vented its frustration on Chery Tiggo EV, hacking out a four-set win, 25-15, 20-25, 25-23, 25-21, in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Saturday at the Capital Arena here.
With the explosive 1-2 punch of Brooke Van Sickle and Lindsey Vander Weide leading the charge, the Angels regained their rhythm and composure after a shaky second set, improving to 2-1 for solo third in Pool B.
Brooke kept Petro Gazz within striking distance late in the fourth as Chery Tiggo threatened to force a decider. She scored three crucial points in a 4-2 stretch that trimmed an 18-15 deficit to just one, 19-20.
That surge paved the way for Vander Weide’s fiery closeout.
After Yunieska Batista briefly restored a two-point cushion for the Crossovers, Vander Weide went berserk. She exploded for five points in a blistering 6-0 finishing kick, capped by a thunderous hammer that sealed the two-hour battle.
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“First of all, the city here welcomed us with open arms. Great hospitality, great energy,” said head coach Gary Van Sickle, lauding the 6,000-strong Ilagan crowd that fueled his squad’s bounce-back win. “We knew it was going to be a battle, but we also knew we needed this win. Good things happened tonight.”
Van Sickle delivered a monster all-around performance, finishing with 25 points built on 23 attacks, alongside 20 excellent digs and 15 receptions. Vander Weide matched her teammate’s output with 25 points of her own off 19 attacks, five aces, and a block, on top of 11 digs.
MJ Phillips and Myla Pablo — who earned the start over Jonah Sabete — chipped in 10 points apiece, while Ranya Musa added eight markers in the well-rounded victory.
Rookie setter Jules Tolentino impressed in her first start with 21 excellent sets and two points. Then veteran Djanel Cheng came in to steady the ship and orchestrate the crucial third-set finish.
The Angels will try to keep their momentum when they take on unbeaten Akari on Thursday at 4:00 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
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For Chery Tiggo EV, it was yet another story of heart and heartbreak.
The Crossovers fought toe-to-toe once again, only to fade in the clutch — continuing a familiar pattern of close calls and narrow defeats that dropped them to 0-3 in the import-laced tournament.
Batista tallied 21 points built on 20 attacks, while Cess Robles finished with 14 markers in another gallant stand that came up just short.
Chery Tiggo will try to finally break through when it faces Galeries Tower on Thursday at 1:30 PM.
