HIGHLIGHTS: PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals – April 3

• Petro Gazz Angels and Creamline Cool Smashers look to seal their entry into the PVL All-Filipino Finals with separate wins in the semifinals on April 3, Thursday.
• Akari and Choco Mucho, meanwhile, fight to live another day as they look to force a playoff for the spot in the championship round.

PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals set: Creamline vs Petro Gazz

• For the fifth time, the Cool Smashers and Angels clash for PVL supremacy. Creamline seeks to extend its dynasty, as Petro Gazz hopes to claim an elusive All-Filipino title.

PVL: Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez relish Finals return with Creamline

MANILA, Philippines —After missing their team’s historic Grand Slam feat, Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez are back to help the Creamline Cool Smashers chase more achievements in the PVL.

Carlos and Valdez dropped 13 and 11 points, respectively, to lead Creamline back into the All-Filipino Finals after 25-19, 25-15, 25-15 win over sister team Choco Mucho on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

From winning all three conferences last year despite missing their three-time MVPs, Creamline will be flexing a full-force line-up against Petro Gazz in a best-of-three finals series starting on Tuesday.

PVL: Creamline braces for deep Petro Gazz squad led by Van Sickle

MANILA, Philippines — Alyssa Valdez believes Brooke Van Sickle will be the game-changer in Creamline’s fifth finals showdown against Petro Gazz, this time in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference best-of-three championship.

“After a few conferences, Brooke has really adjusted well to Petro Gazz’s system and discipline. You can see that she’s now in sync with the team, making their movements smooth throughout this conference, even in their last game,” said Valdez in Filipino after scoring 11 points in Creamline’s finals-clinching 25-19, 25-15, 25-15 win over Choco Mucho on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

PVL: Brooke Van Sickle ready for tough Finals battle vs Creamline

MANILA, Philippines —Brooke Van Sickle is bracing for a tough battle when Petro Gazz takes on a ‘five-peat’-seeking Creamline in another championship duel for the PVL All-Filipino crown.

After missing the chance in the past two conferences last year, Van Sickle made her first PVL finals appearance after dropping 15 points and nine digs in their 25-22, 25-20, 25-18 win over Akari to complete a three-game semifinals sweep on Thursday.

The reigning MVP knows that the Angels are hungry for their first All-Filipino crown after losing thrice to Creamline in the Finals in 2019, 2022, and 2023.

PVL: Chie Saet determined to lead Petro Gazz to elusive All-Filipino crown

MANILA, Philippines —With another shot at the elusive PVL All-Filipino Conference title, Chie Saet vows to leave everything on the court for the Petro Gazz Angels.

A the pioneer player for Petro Gazz since 2018, Saet is determined to help Angels finally break through in the All-Filipino after three missed chance in 2019, 2022, and 2023.

Now in their fourth try, the 40-year-old setter hopes to prove that the two-time Reinforced Conference champions can win an All-Filipino title too.

PVL: Creamline sets up Finals duel vs Petro Gazz, ousts Choco Mucho

Creamline fashioned another expected stellar championship confrontation with Petro Gazz in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.

The Cool Smashers shot down the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-19, 25-15, 25-15, on Thursday night to ice that dream encounter with the Angels in a best-of-three finale.

“It’s always a classic whenever we play Petro Gazz. It’s expected to be tight and exciting,’’ said Alyssa Valdez after Creamline’s annihilation of the Flying Titans in straight sets.

IN PHOTOS: Creamline vs Choco Mucho

PVL Live Updates: Choco Mucho vs Creamline (semifinals)

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Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses talks about facing Petro Gazz in the finals. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/jkqt7axNhg

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 3, 2025

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Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos, who missed Creamline’s grand slam last year, are elated to be back in the finals. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/i8Ch9wq9NH

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 3, 2025

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WATCH: Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses, Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Kyle Negrito after marching to the #PVL2025 finals. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/jetDqltMql

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 3, 2025

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Creamline marches to its seventh consecutive PVL Finals. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/lhAdeioVgQ

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 3, 2025

THIRD SET

• FINAL: Creamline ousts sister team Choco Mucho, 25-19, 25-15, 25-15, to enter the PVL finals against Petro Gazz.
• Michele Gumabao joins the scoring party. Creamline at match point.
• Sisi Rondina blocked again by Pangs Panaga! Creamline 23-15 Choco Mucho.
• 6-2 run puts the Creamline Cool Smashers within 3 points of the Finals berth, 22-14.
• Creamline trying to pull away here again, builds a 16-12 lead. 2nd TTO.
• Bernadeth Pons tips it! Then Ogunsanya hit sails out. Creamline leads 14-12.

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Rebisco Clasico crowd check. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/lbq2BskraP

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 3, 2025

• Sisi Rondina powers through for that cross court hit! Game tied at 10.
• Isa Molde scores! Choco Mucho 9-8 Creamline.

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Choco Mucho trying to salvage its season, leading the third set, 9-8. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ewi56Zkyoe

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) April 3, 2025

• But back to back points puts Creamline back in the lead, 8-7. 1st TTO.
• Sisi Rondina gives Choco Mucho its first lead in a while, 7-6!
• The Flying Titans showing signs of life here in the third set. 6-6 all so far.
• Choco Mucho fights back, ties the game at 3-3!
• Negrito finds BDL, who nails a kill! 3-0 Creamline.
• Quick 2-0 start for Creamline here in Set 3, all coming from Panaga.

SECOND SET

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END OF SET 2: Creamline 25, Choco Mucho 15

The Cool Smashers are a set away from setting a finals series against Petro Gazz. #PVL2025

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) April 3, 2025

• Creamline Cool Smashers move closer to the win after taking set 2, 25-15, in dominant fashion.
• Tots Carlos with another kill! Creamline at set point, 24-15.
• Pangs Panaga with a block on Sisi Rondina! Creamline 21-13 Choco Mucho.
• Creamline now with the biggest lead of the game 20-12 after a quick from Bea de Leon.
• Royse Tubino ends the drought for Choco Mucho, which is trailing 11-17.
• After several tries, Alyssa Valdez with a hit out! Creamline opens with a commanding 17-10 lead here.
• Alyssa Valdez with a kill followed by Tots Carlos ace! Creamline 15-10 Choco Mucho.
• Royse Tubino scores! Choco Mucho down, 12-9.
• Creamline spreading the offense here. Pangs Panaga and Alyssa Valdez with back to back hits this time. Creamline 12-8 Choco Mucho.
• Bernadeth Pons down the line! 9-7 lead for Creamline.
• Creamline not letting Choco Mucho taste the lead here, holds on to a 8-6 lead. First TTO.
• Tots Carlos’ hit sails out, but Cherry Nunag commits service ace. Creamline 6-3 Choco Mucho.
• Sisi Rondina and Alyssa Valdez trade powerful hits! Creamline 5-2 Choco Mucho.
• Strong start here for Creamline with a 4-1 lead.
• Second set underway. Game tied at 1-1. Thang Ponce holds on to her left leg after being not being able to get up right away during a play.

FIRST SET

• 14-9 advantage for Creamline in attacks and 5-1 in blocks in the first set.
• Tots Carlos end the set! Creamline draws first blood, 25-19, vs Choco Mucho pulling away later in the first set.
• Net challenge unsuccessful for Choco Mucho. Bea de Leon brings Creamline to set point with a block, 24-19.
• Tots Carlos on the hit out! 22-19 lead for Creamline.
• Royse Tubino scores, Alyssa Valdez’s attack goes wide. Choco Mucho now just down 21-19.
• Pons’ service goes long. Creamline 21-17 Choco Mucho.
• Choco Mucho’s block touch challenge unsuccessful. Error by Sisi Rondina. Creamline opens a 21-16 lead.
• Tots Carlos scores off a broken play, finding an empty space even to her to surprise. Creamline now leads 19-16. Choco Mucho calls for time.
• Cherry Nunang admits to the check ball. Creamline 18-16 Choco Mucho.
• Bernadeth Pons scores her third point so far! Creamline 17-15 Choco Mucho.
• Sisi Rondina cuts Creamline lead down to one, 16-15.
• Floor touch challenge for Creamline is successful. Creamline 16-14 Choco Mucho. 2nd TTO.
• An error from Rouse Tubino gives Creamline a 15-13 lead.
• BDL finds a space an open space, ties the game again at 14.
• Close game so far with 5 deadlocks here. Game tied at 10-10.
• Sisi Rondina’ cross-court hit gives Choco Mucho back the lead, 9-8, in the first set.
• Back to back points from Pangs Panaga and Tots Carlos ties the game at 8.
• Choco Mucho pulls ahead 6-4 after an ace from Honey Royse Tubino.
• Tied game at 4-4 in the first set.
• Sister teams Choco Mucho and Creamline are set to begin their semifinals showdown. Both sides on the floor for warm ups.

PVL: Myla Pablo dedicates Petro Gazz finals run to Brooke Van Sickle

MANILA, Philippines —While Myla Pablo’s resurgence helped Petro Gazz return to the PVL finals after two years, she is offering her vintage season–and the chance to win the title–to teammate Brooke Van Sickle.

Petro Gazz became the first team to enter the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals on Friday, with Van Sickle leading the way and finally ending their string of missed opportunities in the past two conferences.

“This one’s really for Brooke Van Sickle because, in the last two conferences, she’s done an amazing job. We said during our team building, this Finals is for Brooke. We all worked together to make it to this point,” said Pablo after scoring 16 points in their over Akari on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

IN PHOTOS: Petro Gazz vs Akari (semifinals)

PVL: Petro Gazz wallops Akari to book All-Filipino Finals return

Petro Gazz is a proud owner of two import-laden championships the previous seasons with a shiny all-Filipino trophy the only hardware lacking in the Angels’ collection.

The Angels gave themselves the chance to satisfy that craving on Thursday night by walloping the Akari Chargers, 25-22, 25-20, 25-18, en route to the finals of the PVL All-Filipino Conference.

“We’re happy to be back in the finals. Unlike in the reinforced (conference) with imports, the all-Filipino has higher expectations, so we will do our best,’’ said Myla Pablo after lifting the Angels with 16 points and four blocks.

PVL Live Updates: Akari vs Petro Gazz (semifinals)

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Myla Pablo on returning to the PVL finals. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/Le9CBWPziI

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 3, 2025

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Chie Saet on being a series away from her dream All-Filipino title. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/PfM3CEMPU2

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 3, 2025

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Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara, Myla Pablo, and Brooke Van Sickle after entering finals. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/RZin1FKtyM

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 3, 2025

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Petro Gazz enters the finals! But the job’s not finished. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/mXIZz870mj

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 3, 2025

• FINAL: Petro Gazz (3-0) sweeps the PVL 2025 semis with a 25-22, 25-20, 25-18 win over Akari (1-2) to book its sixth finals appearance.
• Van Sickle is going for the kill. Petro Gazz is feeling it with a 19-14 lead.

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Justine Jazareno hurt after her head hit the LED board while trying to save the ball. Akari trails, 13-15. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/ykJrod8Kay

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 3, 2025

• Justine Jazareno hurt after her head hit the LED board while trying to save the ball. Akari trails, 13-15.
• Jonah Sabete gives Petro Gazz a 13-11 lead after nailing an off speed.
• Soltones ties set 3 for Akari at 9.
• END OF SET 2: Petro Gazz 25, Akari 20. The Angels take a 2-0 lead. With a two-set advantage, they already clinch a seat to the #PVL2025 finals regardless of the result.
• The Angels continue to pull away with an 18-14 lead in Set 2.
• Petro Gazz erases a 3-7 start. They now lead the second set, 12-10.
• END OF SET 1: Petro Gazz 25, Akari 22 Myla Pablo with back-to-back kill blocks to take the opening set.

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Petro Gazz eyes a finals berth against Akari. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/Doeq8BfD42

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 3, 2025

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JUST IN: Erica Staunton will play for the Creamline Cool Smashers anew in the #AVCChampionsLeague. |📸: Cool Smashers via @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/R8Yjj8pld5

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 3, 2025

2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference SEMIFINALS schedule

April 3, Thursday – Smart Araneta Coliseum

• 4pm –  Akari Chargers vs Petro Gazz Angels
• 6:30pm –Choco Mucho Flying Titans vs Creamline Cool Smashers

PVL: Creamline uses semifinal loss as fuel to keep Finals berth in sight

An uncharacteristic collapse in a previous semifinal match only served to motivate the Creamline Cool Smashers.

Especially Bernadeth Pons.

And it showed in the way the reigning champions blanked Akari, 25-18, 25-19, 25-19, on Tuesday in their PVL All-Filipino Conference showdown, one that allowed them to right their path toward another crown.

“We knew … that loss [to Petro Gazz] wasn’t who we are. [Bouncing back from that loss] really served as motivation,” said Pons, who finished with 17 points, 15 receptions and 12 to anchor Creamline’s victory, which averted a semifinal exit.

PVL: Van Sickle, Pablo hope two-way work will book Angels Finals berth

PVL: Ivy Lacsina looks to regain form to help Akari in must-win

MANILA, Philippines — Ivy Lacsina was limited to an average of eight points as Akari split its first two semifinal games in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

Akari couldn’t sustain its five-set win over Choco Mucho last Saturday, anchored by Eli Soyud’s career-high 34 points, as the Chargers got swept by the Creamline Cool Smashers, 18-25, 19-25, 19-25, on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

Soyud was held to 11, while Lacsina struggled anew with another eight-point outing despite being a top-five scorer until the qualifying round with 178 points in 12 games.