By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Petro Gazz Angels ruled the PVL All-Filipino Conference with a 25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 25-19 triumph over the Creamline Cool Smashers in the do-or-die Game 3 of the finals at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday night, April 12.
Negrense Jonah Sabete stepped up with 16 points, including 14 attacks, as the Angels sealed the best-of-three series, 2-1, to capture their third PVL title and first in an All-Filipino Conference.
Brooke Van Sickle led the charge with 21 points — 17 from attacks, two blocks and two service aces — along with 18 excellent receptions and nine digs.
Finals MVP MarJana Phillips added 15 markers for the Angels.
“The mindset was to keep pushing. You can’t let up against Creamline — they’re a dynasty. They don’t stop. But we stayed calm, stayed together and gave it everything. I’m so proud of this team,” Van Sickle said.
After missing the chance to close out the third set, Petro Gazz fell behind 10-13 in the fourth, but came alive behind Van Sickle’s scoring run to take the lead at 16-15 in the second technical timeout.
The Cool Smashers tied it for the last time at 18-all before the Angels uncorked a clutch rally behind Van Sickle and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas to pull away.
A Joy Dacoron hit, a Van Sickle ace and a finishing blow from Sabete sealed the win and the crown.
“I’m speechless. We’ve been through so much. But we fought hard when it mattered most. We showed resilience, grit and heart. I’m just so happy and proud of this group,” Phillips stated.
Negrense Bernadeth Pons paced Creamline with 17 points.
Jema Galanza had 15 and Jeanette Panaga chipped in 11 as the Cool Smashers’ All-Filipino reign finally came to an end.
Meanwhile, the Akari Power Chargers clinched the bronze medal with a 25-15, 26-24, 26-24 sweep of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the do-or-die Game 3 of the battle for third place series.
Negrense Christine Joy Soyud led the way with a team-high 18 points, built on 15 attacks and three blocks, earning Player of the Game honors as the Power Chargers secured their franchise’s first-ever bronze medal./ASC, WDJ