MANILA – Petro Gazz Angels soared to a historic win, dethroning the Creamline Cool Smashers with a 25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 25-19 triumph in Game 3 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals on Saturday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Brooke Van Sickle led the charge with 21 points —v17 from attacks, two blocks, and two service acesv— along with 18 excellent receptions and nine digs, as Petro Gazz sealed the series, 2-1, to capture its third PVL title and first in an All-Filipino Conference.
“The mindset was to keep pushing. You can’t let up against Creamline – they’re a dynasty. They don’t stop. But we stayed calm, stayed together and gave it everything. I’m so proud of this team,” Van Sickle said.
Negrense Jonah Sabete backed her up with 16 points built on 14 attacks, while MarJana Phillips added 15 markers for the Angels, who overcame a late push from the defending champs.
“I’m speechless. We’ve been through so much. But we fought hard when it mattered most. We showed resilience, grit and heart. I’m just so happy and proud of this group,” Phillips stated.
After missing the chance to close out in the third set, Petro Gazz fell behind 10-13 in the fourth but came alive behind Van Sickle’s scoring run to take the lead at 16-15 in the second technical timeout.
The Cool Smashers tied it for the last time at 18-all before the Angels uncorked a clutch rally behind Van Sickle and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas to pull away. A Joy Dacoron hit, a Van Sickle ace, and a finishing blow from Sabete sealed the win and the crown.
Negrense Bernadeth Pons paced Creamline with 17 points, Jema Galanza had 15, and Jeanette Panaga chipped in 11 as the Cool Smashers’ All-Filipino reign finally came to an end.
Meanwhile, Akari Power Chargers clinched the bronze medal with a 25-15, 26-24, 26-24 sweep of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the do-or-die Game 3 of the battle for third place series.
Negrense Christine Joy Soyud led the way with a team-high 18 points, built on 15 attacks and three blocks, earning Player of the Game honors as the Power Chargers secured their franchise’s first-ever bronze medal./PN
