PVL: Petro Gazz frustrates Creamline with five-set victory

Brooke Van Sickle leads Petro Gazz to five-set win over Creamline in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO

STA. ROSA, Laguna—Petro Gazz handed Creamline its second defeat in the PVL All-Filipino Conference via a hard-fought 15-25, 25-18, 24-26, 25-19, 15-13 victory Saturday night at Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.

Brooke van Sickle erupted for a career-high 29 points built around 23 attacks, four blocks and two aces to help the Angels tie the Cool Smashers at 6-2. Van Sickle also showed her defense after collecting 12 excellent digs and 20 excellent receptions.

“Creamline is amazing. They’re an awesome team. Coming in here, I watched them a lot so far in this PVL season and they’re a team that does not give up, not one bit, Van Sickle said.

Petro Gazz Angels triumph over Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO

Her offensive partner Jonah Sabete contributed big as well with 21 points, 17 coming from attacks, and 13 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions while veteran Aiza Maizo-Pontillas added 14 points.

Petro Gazz captain Remy Palma provided not only her leadership but also 12 points including four big blocks to help the Angels to only their second win in 19 games against Creamline since 2019 Open Conference

Sabete was instrumental for the Angels to force an extension to the action-packed clash after a crucial off the block hit before stopping a Carlos attack to bring Petro Gazz at set point in the fourth frame.

READ: PVL: Creamline-Petro Gazz battle can paint clearer semis picture

Joy Dacoron committed a service error in that same set but luckily Pontillas immediately got the point back with a down the line hit.

And Petro Gazz did not just stop there and continued to a 9-5 lead in the decider. Creamline, being the veteran that it is, mustered all its strength to create a 6-1 run to bring the Angels’ lead down to one, 11-10.

Van Sickle and Pontillas joined hands to bring the nail-biting game to a close and scored the last two points to humble the defending champions.

READ: PVL: Van Sickle getting better every time, towing Petro Gazz along

Five Cool Smashers finished in twin digits with Tots Carlos contributing the most with 15 points, all from attacks. Bea de Leon produced her best outing in Creamline uniform with 13 points including a game-high six blocks.

Jema Galanza and Alyssa Valdez each had 11 points as Michele Gumabao, who started in place of Carlos, had 10.

Petro Gazz will have 10 days to prepare against another tough opposition in Cignal on April 16 at PhilSports Arena.