Petro Gazz takes leave from PVL, Angels’ core keen to join Nxled

Petro Gazz Angels celebrate after winning the PVL Reinforced Conference last November.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Petro Gazz, one of the Premier Volleyball League’s (PVL) winningest clubs, is taking a leave of absence from the league.

The stunning move comes after reports of their disbandment and a denied merger with Nxled surfaced following a banner 2025 campaign.

READ: PVL rules out Petro Gazz-Nxled merger, awaits Angels’ decision

“Petro Gazz announces its decision to take a leave of absence from the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), marking a pause in its competitive participation after seven successful years,” the team wrote in a statement Saturday.

“This decision was made with careful consideration, as volleyball has always been at the core of Petro Gazz’s identity. Over the years, the team built a legacy of excellence—winning four PVL championships, developing national team-caliber athletes, and establishing itself as one of the league’s pillars.”

Petro Gazz won two major titles in 2025, capturing the franchise’s maiden All-Filipino Conference after dethroning Creamline in Game 3 in May and bagging its third Reinforced trophy last November.

The Angels joined the PVL in 2018 and won a Reinforced title the following year behind the late Janisa Johnson and star import Wilma Salas. They reached the All-Filipino finals thrice but settled for a runner-up finish and won another Reinforced crown in 2022, led by Lindsey Vander Weide.

Petro Gazz is the second most successful squad in the PVL with four championships behind 10-time titlist Creamline.

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All the remaining Petro Gazz players are now free agents, but sources told Inquirer that the squad’s core, bannered by three-time Conference MVP Brooke Van Sickle, two-time Finals MVP MJ Phillips, Myla Pablo, and Jonah Sabete, are all keen to join Nxled.

Some Angels have already found their new home with Chie Saet and Remy Palma signing with Strong Group Athletics and BLove Barbon joining Galeries Tower. Aiza Maizo and Joy Dacoron, meanwhile, are still searching for a new squad.

“Petro Gazz extends its sincere gratitude to its loyal fans, whose unwavering support fueled the team’s pursuit of excellence. During this period, Petro Gazz will focus on nurturing the next generation of volleyball talent,” the statement added.

“As part of this initiative, Petro Gazz supports the volleyball program of Nxled and other PVL teams by recommending its players, coaches, and staff, guided by its winning culture and core values.”