MANILA — Petro Gazz delivered the biggest knockout blow of the conference, ending Creamline’s eight-year podium streak with a decisive 25-23, 25-19, 16-25, 25-14 victory in the quarterfinals of the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Angels relied on a relentless offensive barrage to eliminate the defending champions, earning a return trip to the semifinals while handing the Cool Smashers their first finish outside the top three since entering the PVL in 2017.
Myla Pablo powered Petro Gazz with 26 points built on 23 attacks, two blocks, and an ace en route to Player of the Game honors. Brooke Van Sickle turned in an all-around gem with 19 points, 12 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions, while MarJana Phillips added 10 markers.
The Angels briefly lost import Lindsey Vander Weide in the first set after she slipped on a teammate’s foot and exited with an apparent ankle injury. She later returned in the fourth set and chipped in six points.
Courtney Schwann carried Creamline with 19 points, while Jeanette Panaga and Diana Carlos posted 14 and 13, respectively, as the Cool Smashers’ 19-consecutive-podium run came to a stunning end.
In other quarterfinal matches, No. 8 seed Akari Power Chargers pulled off the tournament’s biggest upset after sweeping top-ranked Farm Fresh, 28-26, 30-28, 25-21, to advance to the semifinals. Libero Justine Jazareno anchored the defense with 21 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions to clinch Player of the Game honors.
Annie Mitchem led Akari’s scoring onslaught with 25 points, while Christine Joy Soyud and Gretchel Soltones contributed 10 apiece, sending the Power Chargers to their third straight Final Four stint.
ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles also booked a semifinal ticket after dispatching Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-16, 25-20, 25-18.
PLDT High Speed Hitters completed the semifinals cast with a 25-21, 25-18, 23-25, 25-21 victory over sister team Cignal, keeping their bid for a third consecutive championship alive./PN
