Petro Gazz went to its middle when its wing attackers hit a rough patch as the Angels hacked out a hard-fought 22-25, 25-12, 25-18, 27-29, 15-12 victory over the Chery Tiggo Crossovers to inch closer to a coveted podium finish in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Thursday.
Brook Van Sickle was unstoppable with another explosive performance, amassing 36 points, while Jonah Sabete contributed 21 markers, leading the Angels’ relentless offensive onslaught. However, it was MJ Phillips who stepped up with crucial plays early in the fifth set, providing the team with the cushion and momentum needed to secure the win.
Phillips’ timely blocks and quick hits helped the Angels seize an 8-4 lead in the decider. Despite the Crossovers’ gritty stand, rallying to level the score at 12, the Angels remained resilient, clinching victory by winning the last three crucial points.
Van Sickle broke the last deadlock with a crosscourt kill for her 36th point, and Phillips capitalized on Jen Nierva’s overpass as the Angels reached another match point with a decisive putaway. Kecelyn Galdones then redeemed herself from a couple of mishits with an ace off Eya Laure, sealing the scary two-hour, 21-minute triumph for the Angels.
Petro Gazz goes for the clincher on Sunday.
Phillips ended up with 15 markers, Djanel Cheng added eight points on top of 22 excellent sets, and Aiza Pontillas and Remy Palma added six points apiece for the Angels.
With a collective display of determination and skill, the two-time Reinforced Conference champion Angels now find themselves on the verge of claiming the bronze medal in the league’s season-opening conference, organized by Sports Vision.
Throughout the match, Petro Gazz cashed in on its opponent’s unforced errors and miscommunication, while its formidable net defense, led by Phillips and Van Sickle’s five and four blocks, respectively, proved instrumental in neutralizing Chery Tiggo’s offense.
Despite setbacks in the semifinals against Choco Mucho and Creamline, which dashed its hopes for a shot at the championship, Perto Gazz remained resolute in pursuit of the bronze medal.
