By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Petro Gazz Angels handed the Cignal HD Spikers their first loss in the PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference with a 25-19, 25-21, 25-18 sweep at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday night, December 14.

Negrense Jonah Sabete finished the game with three points, including a game-clinching drop ball to complete their straight-set win, as the Angels notched their fifth victory in six games.

Brooke Van Sickle led the Angels with 19 points, built on 13 attacks and six blocks, to go with seven excellent digs, while Myla Pablo and Marjana Phillips contributed 15 and 11 markers, respectively.

“I am just super proud of the team. Being able to come out and have a win going into the Christmas break is super huge for us,” Van Sickle said during her Player of the Game interview.

“I thought everyone that came out off the bench did a fantastic job. The starting six also played steady. At first, we were kinda not calm, but we did a great job calming everyone down,” she added.

Frances Xinia Molina was the lone double-digit scorer for the HD Spikers with 10 points, on nine attacks and a service ace, as they sustained their first defeat after a 4-0 start.

Meanwhile, the Chery Tiggo Crossovers overcame a tough challenge from the Galeries Tower Highrisers for a 30-28, 20-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-8 victory to close their campaign this year.

Ilongga Princess Anne Robles led the way with 21 points, 11 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs to earn the Player of the Game honors as the Crossovers improved to a 4-2 win-loss slate.

Ilongga Abigail Maraño delivered 15 points, Pauline Gaston contributed 14 points, Ilongga Shaya Adorador and Victorinara Galang had 13 and 11, respectively, while Jennifer Nierva provided additional defensive stability with 21 digs and 10 receptions.

France Ronquillo spearheaded Galeries Tower’s offense with 18 points, Jewel Encarnacion and Ysa Jimenez registered 16 and 15 markers, respectively, as they dropped to a 1-5 win-loss slate./ASC, WDJ