Two years after losing a 1-0 series lead and falling short in the Finals, the Petro Gazz Angels return to the Premier Volleyball League’s biggest stage—this time better, bolder and more determined to finish what they started.
No longer a dark horse, Petro Gazz has transformed into a battle-tested contender chasing its first All-Filipino Conference crown, a long-elusive dream despite two titles in the Reinforced Conference.
“We’re extremely happy because every team dreams of becoming a champion,” said veteran setter Chie Saet in Filipino.
“We really worked hard for this.”
“We sacrificed a lot, and now, we’ll find a way—we’re going to finish what we started.”
Few players are more fired up than Myla Pablo, whose return to peak form has been key in Petro Gazz’s breakthrough.
Her clutch performances helped the Angels overcome powerhouse squads Creamline and Choco Mucho to secure a Finals berth.
“It’s really different when it’s the All-Filipino,” said Pablo.
“In the Reinforced Conference, the focus is on the import, but here, everyone contributes and works together as a team.”
Still, Pablo was quick to credit her teammates, especially Fil-American standout Brooke Van Sickle, for the team’s success.
“This Finals is for Brooke,” said Pablo.
“Her contribution has been incredible.”
“Even during team-building, we already said—this is for her.”
“All of us stepped up, even the substitutes.”
Van Sickle, who has become a cornerstone of the squad, described their Finals run as a dream come true.
“It feels very surreal,” she said.
“It’s been a long, grueling conference, and to be here now is amazing.”
“I wouldn’t want to do this with any other team.”
With the championship looming, Van Sickle said her focus is on recovery and readiness after enduring a string of matches from the prelims to the semis.
“There’s no secret,” she said.
“What you see is what you get.”
“Right now, it’s all about healing and being 200 percent ready—physically and mentally.”
Veterans like Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Djanel Cheng have also risen to the occasion, reinforcing Petro Gazz’s depth and stability.
For Saet, the team’s approach is clear—play to each other’s strengths and move as one.
“Our mindset is not just to play,” she said.
“Coach Koji (Tsuzurabara) told us—go into the Finals with 200 percent.”
“So that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
Their opponent is a familiar one: 10-time PVL champion Creamline, led by stars Tots Carlos, Bernadeth Pons, Alyssa Valdez, Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga.
But the Angels proved in the semis that no mountain is too high when a team plays with heart, unity and belief.
Now, with four days to rest and recalibrate before the best-of-three series begins Tuesday, Petro Gazz stands on the brink of history.
The scars of the past may still linger, but this team is determined to write a different ending.
This time, it’s not just about reaching the Finals. It’s about finishing the story.
