The Petro Gazz Angels. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA, Philippines – Petro Gazz is one step closer to its third Premier Volleyball League championship trophy.
This, as the Angels secured a 1-0 lead after a thrilling five-set win over defending champion Creamline in the Finals opener, 25-17, 25-20, 18-25, 20-25, 15-10, in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
They averted disaster after squandering a 2-0 set lead, letting the Cool Smashers return to the match and force a deciding fifth frame.
MJ Phillips was the difference maker in the final set, powering the Angels to a quick start and helping keep the Cool Smashers at bay.
An attack error by Myla Pablo brought Creamline within four points, 8-12, but Phillips dunked an overpassed ball in the next rally to restore order for Petro Gazz.
The Cool Smashers mounted a final push, as a down-the-line hit by Michele Gumabao and a block by Bea de Leon on Brooke Van Sickle got them within three points, 10-13.
But Bernadeth Pons committed a costly attack error in the next rally, and the Angels sent back her hit in the final play of the match to seal the deal.
Petro Gazz is on a mission to finally earn an All-Filipino title, which proved to be elusive as they settled for silver medal finishes in the 2019 Open, 2022 Open, and 2023 First All-Filipino Conferences.
In case they win it all this time, this will be the franchise's third PVL title after emerging triumphant in the 2019 and 2022 Reinforced Conferences.
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For their part, the Cool Smashers now see their title defense and five-peat bid in danger as they absorbed the Game 1 defeat.
The Brooke Van Sickle-led squad has a chance to win it all in Game 2 on Thursday, April 10, at the same Metro Manila venue.
First serve is scheduled at 6:30 p.m.