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Nicole Tiamzon steps up as Petro Gazz ends skid, books QF spot
In a crucial moment for Petro Gazz, veteran Nicole Tiamzon delivered when it mattered most.
With the Angels reeling from two straight losses and fighting for survival in the PVL On Tour, Tiamzon emerged as a steadying force, firing 16 points on 15 attacks and a block to help Petro Gazz turn back Choco Mucho in four sets, 20-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-17, Tuesday night, July 29, at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.
It was the perfect time for Tiamzon to break out, stepping into the spotlight as Petro Gazz navigated its first match without Japanese head coach Koji Tsuzurabara.
Under interim tactician Brian Esquibel, the Angels played with renewed energy and composure—traits Tiamzon embodied throughout the match.
NICOLE TIAMZON
“Actually, this win is really for the players. You can really see how they worked together. Their effort during long rallies, we were the ones scoring because they never gave up. The fighting spirit of these players is still there,” said Esquibel in Filipino. “That’s the heart of a champion.”
The former UP standout also contributed 12 digs, showcasing her all-around game and leadership as she helped carry the 2024–25 All-Filipino champions to a 2-3 record and a fourth-place finish in Pool A. More importantly, they secured a spot in the knockout round, where they will face Akari on August 5.
Tiamzon’s biggest moment came late in the fourth set, hammering down the point that brought Petro Gazz to match point at 24-17. A backrow hit by Myla Pablo on the next play sealed the win and snapped the Angels’ two-game slide.
While Pablo led all scorers with 23 points and 16 excellent receptions, it was Tiamzon’s consistency that helped steady the ship.
The Angels overcame a slow start in the fourth set, turning an 11-14 deficit into a dominant 14-3 finishing run fueled by Tiamzon, Pablo, Ranya Musa, and Antonette Adolfo.
Despite the absence of key players Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips—still resting post-national team duty—Petro Gazz proved it still had firepower and fight left in the tank.
Choco Mucho, on the other hand, closed its group stage campaign at 1-4. Cherry Nunag paced the Flying Titans with 17 points, while Thang Ponce had a monster effort on defense with 27 digs and 22 receptions, but the team’s struggles continued down the stretch.
Now, with their season on the line, the Angels turn to Tiamzon and their veteran core once more as they face Akari in a do-or-die showdown.
