A new-look Petro Gazz flaunted its firepower in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League against the Philippine Army on Sunday, February 4.

Behind a strong debut from Filipino-American recruit Brooke Van Sickle, the Gazz Angels cruised to a 25-11, 25-19, 25-19 sweep of the Lady Troopers at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum to open their campaign in the tournament put up by PNVF.

Van Sickle delivered 16 points on 14 kills, a block and an ace, as the Gazz Angels wrapped up the match in an hour and 28 minutes.

They also gave new Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara a triumphant welcome to the local volleyball scene.

Nicole Tiamzon contributed nine points, while comebacking Myla Pablo scored eight for Petro Gazz.

“There were butterflies going on before the game, but my teammates are super supportive, and I feel like we did very well,” Sickle, who arrived in the country just two weeks ago, said.

“We’re getting chemistry as a team together, slowly and slowly. It was a good day for us,” she added.

Nerissa Bautista was the only bright spot last year, with 10 points for the Philippine Army in its volleyball return since skipping the PVL last year.

In the second game, the Cignal HD Spikers swept the revamped Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 28-26, 25-19, 27-25.

Vanie Gandler produced 15 points, including the match-winner, while Ces Molina added 13 markers on 13 kills, two aces and a block as the HD Spikers got off to a strong start.

Meanwhile, Mylene Paat had 16 points for Chery Tiggo, which welcomed former F2 Logistics stars Ara Galang and Aby Marano into their roster.

The pair combined for nine points in the loss.

Eya Laure was limited to nine markers while coming off the bench in the first and third sets. (ABS-CBN News)