Photo credit: PVL

Petro Gazz just reminded the PVL why their grit is just as deadly as their firepower.

Despite losing import Lindsey Vander Weide early in the match, the Angels pulled off an impressive 25-23, 25-19, 16-25, 25-14 victory over longtime rival Creamline to secure a semifinal berth in the PVL Reinforced Conference at the Araneta Coliseum on Monday.

Vander Weide went down in the first set after landing on Ranya Musa’s foot, forcing her to sit out for most of the match. Her return in the fourth set provided a stabilizing presence, but by then Petro Gazz had already proven they could stand firm without their scoring leader.

Creamline, known for turning chaos into momentum and historically crushing the Angels in crucial matches, looked ready to repeat the script—especially after dominating the third set. But this time, Petro Gazz refused to crumble.

Instead, they reset, regrouped, and retook full control in the fourth, showing a level of maturity and composure that hinted at a team no longer haunted by its rivalry narrative.

At the heart of the comeback was Myla Pablo, who delivered a vintage, powerhouse performance. Thrust back into a starring role, Pablo erupted for 26 points—23 coming from sharp, aggressive attacks that carried the Angels through the toughest stretches of the night. It was a throwback to the days when “Typhoon Pablo” would simply take over matches, and on this stage, she did exactly that.

With Vander Weide injured, the Cool Smashers charging, and another emotional slugfest unfolding, the Angels rose to the moment—together. Petro Gazz didn’t just beat Creamline; they overturned a storyline that had long defined their rivalry.

And now, they’re marching into the semifinals, tougher and more dangerous than ever.