Petro Gazz survives Akari’s test, secures third win

Petro Gazz overpowered Akari in straight sets, 28-26, 29-27, 25-18, to claim its third win in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, December 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Brooke van Sickle and Myla Pablo joined forces to edge the Chargers with the Filipino-American hitter hammering 19 points built on 15 attacks including 13 excellent digs, while Pablo added 15 markers off 13 kills, a block, and an ace.

Van Sickle gave captain Remy Palma credit for the victory, stating that her leadership helped Petro Gazz get through the tense first few sets and win the straight-setter.

“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,” said Van Sickle.

“I’m super proud of everyone, I feel like Rem [Palma] did a very good job collecting all the girls while we’re on the court and just to slow us down because I feel like at times we we’re like ‘ahhh’ and she’s like ‘calm down, it’s okay, take a breath and just play our volleyball,’” added the reigning conference MVP.

The Angels overturned a 16-11 deficit in the first set with consecutive blocks sealing the victory in an extended set. Petro Gazz once again showed tenacity in the second period by thwarting the Chargers’ attempt to hijack the match and saved five set points to take a 2-0 lead.

The Angels, riding the wave of their first two set wins, dominated early in the third set with a 6-0 start and remained in control the entire time. Van Sickle, Pablo, Aiza Maizo, and Nicole Tiamzon added the final touches to cap off the sweep.

Maizo and Remy Palma supplemented seven points apiece, while Djanel Cheng contributed four markers, along with nine excellent sets in the winning effort.

The Angels will play PLDT in an attempt to extend their winning run to four games on December 10 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Meanwhile, Ivy Lacsina’s game-high 21 points went down the drain as Akari plummeted to 2-3 in the standings, tied with Choco Mucho in eight place.

Gretchel Soltones and Eli Soyud finished with 11 and 10 markers, respectively. 

The Chargers will look to bounce back against Chery Tiggo, also on December 10.