Brooke Van Sickle and Petro Gazz Angels celebrate a point against Choco Mucho Flying TItans in the PVL All-Filipino Conference opener. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Reigning MVP Brooke Van Sickle sparkled with 34 points to spoil Sisi Rondina’s comeback as Petro Gazz outlasted Choco Mucho, 25-20, 26-28, 25-21, 25-16, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
In the battle of the last two All-Filipino MVPs, Van Sickle got the better of last year’s winner Rondina, pouring in 28 kills, four aces, and two blocks.
“I feel like we just wanted to come out with that grit and with that fire. Especially with the last conference, let’s just leave it all out there and I’m super proud of the team. Everyone did a fantastic job today, the energy was great, and this was a very good start,” said Van Sickle, who also had 14 digs.
SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024-2025
“Choco is a fantastic team and you know, just to be able to squeak a win out of them is huge. Good job to them, good job to my teammates and everything.”
Petro Gazz had to recover from a narrow second-set loss, where Choco Mucho erased a 26-25 deficit with Rondina tying the frame and Kat Tolentino blocking Van Sickle and scoring off a floating ball to level the game at 1-all.
Van Sickle and the Angels got their act together in the last two sets, especially in the fourth with the MVP mounting a 15-7 lead after back-to-back kills.
Choco Mucho Flying Titans during a PVL All-Filipino Conference game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Jonah Sabete joined the party, scoring three consecutive points to stretch the lead to 20-10, and never looked back to tie fellow opening day winner Akari on top.
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Sabete and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas were also instrumental with 18 points each. Remy Palma had 10 points in their two-hour and 15-minute victory.
Petro Gazz has a week to prepare for defending champion Creamline as they collide on November 16 at Ynares Center Antipolo.
Alas Pilipinas star Rondina, who returned after missing the Reinforced Conference, had 18 points, 13 digs, and six excellent receptions. Tolentino and national team player Cherry Nunag chipped in 12 points each as they missed Deanna Wong with setter Mars Alba dishing out 11 excellent sets.
Choco Mucho tries to bounce back on Thursday against fellow opening day loser Galeries Tower at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.