By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Petro Gazz Angels fended off a late comeback by the Creamline Cool Smashers to claim Game 1 of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference finals, 25-17, 25-20, 18-25, 20-25, 15-10, on April 8, 2025, at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the win, Petro Gazz moved one victory away from clinching the All-Filipino Conference crown and improved its chances of dethroning the defending champions.
The Angels appeared headed for a straight-sets victory after taking a 2-0 lead, but Creamline responded with strong performances in the third and fourth sets to force a decider.
It was the kind of five-set showdown fans had hoped for—filled with emotional swings, mid-game adjustments, and grit from both teams.
But the determined Angels seized control early in the fifth set, racing to a 10-4 advantage.
Veteran middle blocker MJ Phillips sparked the run by scoring five of Petro Gazz’s first 10 points, single-handedly outshining the Cool Smashers in the opening minutes of the set.
Her effort lifted the Angels after they let the previous two sets slip away.
Creamline closed the gap to within three points behind the efforts of Michele Gumabao and Bea de Leon.
But a crucial error from Bernadeth Pons gave Petro Gazz match point.
PVL legend Aiza Maizo-Pontillas sealed the victory with a decisive block, handing the top-seeded Creamline its first finals loss.
Brooke Van Sickle led Petro Gazz with 24 points off 21 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, continuing her dominant playoff performance.
Jonah Sabete added 16 points, while Myla Pablo chipped in 12 for the Angels.
Pons paced Creamline with 16 points, but the team struggled offensively as Jema Galanza managed just 10 markers.
Creamline must now win the next two games to keep its PVL five-peat hopes alive.
Game 2 is set for 6:30 p.m. today, following the bronze match between the Choco Mucho Flying Titans and the Akari Chargers.
