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Petro Gazz Stuns Creamline In Epic Game 1 - And They're Not Done Yet
Photo credit: PVL
If championship runs are built on explosive beginnings, then the Petro Gazz Angels just laid a foundation that shook the entire Araneta Coliseum.
Facing the reigning queens of Philippine volleyball, the Creamline Cool Smashers, the Angels didn’t just show up – they came out swinging. From the opening serve, it was clear: Petro Gazz wasn’t just here to compete; they were here to win.
They took the first two sets with confidence and swagger, stunning Creamline and its army of 8,841 pink-clad fans. And though everyone expected a Creamline comeback – because let’s face it, that’s what they do – what no one saw coming was just how ready the Angels were to punch right back.
The match turned into a five-set classic: 25-17, 25-20, 18-25, 20-25, 15-10. And when the dust settled, it was Petro Gazz who came out on top – now just one win away from their first-ever All-Filipino Conference title in the Premier Volleyball League.
The MJ Phillips Show
If you’re wondering who lit the fire in that all-important final set, look no further than MJ Phillips. Cool under pressure, she poured in six of her 16 points in the fifth set alone – starting it off with a kill block, an off-the-block spike, and even an ace. Petro Gazz quickly took a 3-1 lead, then stretched it to 8-4, and never looked back.
Even when Creamline tried to rally – with Michele Gumabao finding her mark and Bea de Leon denying Brooke Van Sickle – the Angels didn’t flinch. A missed attack by Bernadette Pons and a failed Creamline challenge brought Petro Gazz to match point. Fittingly, it was Pons again – one of Creamline’s heroes in the rally – who sent a push into the net, handing the Angels the win and igniting a wild celebration.
“It Was Extremely Stressful” – Van Sickle
Brooke Van Sickle, who dropped a game-high 24 points and was named Best Player, captured the emotions perfectly: “I have no words. It was extremely stressful, a very tough battle – but I’m proud of my team.”
And she should be. Jonah Sabete matched Phillips with 16 points, Myla Pablo chipped in 12, and Aiza Pontillas showed her veteran savvy with key reads and leadership late. The stats were tight – both teams had 62 attack points – but Petro Gazz edged Creamline in blocks (13-10), aces (5-3), and held it together when it mattered most.
Now or Never for Creamline
Make no mistake – Creamline isn’t going anywhere. This is a team with 10 titles in 13 finals appearances for a reason. They’re battle-hardened and resilient. But even their usual calm seemed rattled by Petro Gazz’s poise.
Van Sickle admitted as much, crediting captain Remy Palma for keeping them grounded. “After winning the first two sets, we started rushing, got tight, and stopped playing our game. Remy really helped calm us down.”
Still, even with strong outings from Pons (16), Panaga (13), De Leon (11), Galanza (10), and Gumabao (9), Creamline couldn’t complete the comeback.
What’s Next
Game 2 happens Thursday, again at the Big Dome. The Angels will be gunning for history. Creamline will be fighting for survival. One team’s chasing its first All-Filipino crown. The other’s trying to keep its dynasty alive.
One thing’s for sure – if Game 1 was any indication, we’re in for another thriller.
Facing the reigning queens of Philippine volleyball, the Creamline Cool Smashers, the Angels didn’t just show up – they came out swinging. From the opening serve, it was clear: Petro Gazz wasn’t just here to compete; they were here to win.
They took the first two sets with confidence and swagger, stunning Creamline and its army of 8,841 pink-clad fans. And though everyone expected a Creamline comeback – because let’s face it, that’s what they do – what no one saw coming was just how ready the Angels were to punch right back.
The match turned into a five-set classic: 25-17, 25-20, 18-25, 20-25, 15-10. And when the dust settled, it was Petro Gazz who came out on top – now just one win away from their first-ever All-Filipino Conference title in the Premier Volleyball League.
The MJ Phillips Show
If you’re wondering who lit the fire in that all-important final set, look no further than MJ Phillips. Cool under pressure, she poured in six of her 16 points in the fifth set alone – starting it off with a kill block, an off-the-block spike, and even an ace. Petro Gazz quickly took a 3-1 lead, then stretched it to 8-4, and never looked back.
Even when Creamline tried to rally – with Michele Gumabao finding her mark and Bea de Leon denying Brooke Van Sickle – the Angels didn’t flinch. A missed attack by Bernadette Pons and a failed Creamline challenge brought Petro Gazz to match point. Fittingly, it was Pons again – one of Creamline’s heroes in the rally – who sent a push into the net, handing the Angels the win and igniting a wild celebration.
“It Was Extremely Stressful” – Van Sickle
Brooke Van Sickle, who dropped a game-high 24 points and was named Best Player, captured the emotions perfectly: “I have no words. It was extremely stressful, a very tough battle – but I’m proud of my team.”
And she should be. Jonah Sabete matched Phillips with 16 points, Myla Pablo chipped in 12, and Aiza Pontillas showed her veteran savvy with key reads and leadership late. The stats were tight – both teams had 62 attack points – but Petro Gazz edged Creamline in blocks (13-10), aces (5-3), and held it together when it mattered most.
Now or Never for Creamline
Make no mistake – Creamline isn’t going anywhere. This is a team with 10 titles in 13 finals appearances for a reason. They’re battle-hardened and resilient. But even their usual calm seemed rattled by Petro Gazz’s poise.
Van Sickle admitted as much, crediting captain Remy Palma for keeping them grounded. “After winning the first two sets, we started rushing, got tight, and stopped playing our game. Remy really helped calm us down.”
Still, even with strong outings from Pons (16), Panaga (13), De Leon (11), Galanza (10), and Gumabao (9), Creamline couldn’t complete the comeback.
What’s Next
Game 2 happens Thursday, again at the Big Dome. The Angels will be gunning for history. Creamline will be fighting for survival. One team’s chasing its first All-Filipino crown. The other’s trying to keep its dynasty alive.
One thing’s for sure – if Game 1 was any indication, we’re in for another thriller.
Apr 9, 2025
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