The Petro Gazz Angels proved their resilience once again, delivering a composed and commanding 25-21, 25-19, 25-23 victory over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Tuesday night at Philsports Arena. The straight-set win secured Petro Gazz the fourth and final semifinal berth in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference (PVL AFC).

With their backs against the wall, the Angels dominated early before weathering a late surge from the young and determined Thunderbelles. Their experience proved the difference, setting up a highly anticipated semifinal clash with arch-rival Creamline Cool Smashers in the single round-robin Final Four phase.

Fast Start Leads to Dominance

Petro Gazz entered the match expecting a fierce battle but instead encountered a hesitant ZUS Coffee squad. The Angels seized control early, using their superior firepower to overwhelm their opponents in the first two sets.

Brooke Van Sickle led the charge with 24 points, attacking from all angles, while MJ Phillips controlled the middle with 10 points, ensuring the Angels maintained their advantage. Jonah Sabete (9 points) and Myla Pablo (7 points, 3 kill blocks) provided crucial support, ensuring Petro Gazz stayed in command.

ZUS Coffee, despite showing glimpses of brilliance, lacked the endgame composure to sustain their challenge. Chinnie Arroyo (13 points), Thea Gagate (10 points), and Chai Troncoso (10 points) kept the Thunderbelles competitive, but the Angels had the answers when it mattered most.

ZUS Coffee’s Late Rally Falls Short

Despite trailing in the third set, ZUS Coffee refused to back down. A blistering comeback turned the final stretch into a tense battle of nerves. Trailing 7-12, they clawed their way back behind Gagate’s net presence and Arroyo’s aggressive plays to make it a one-point game at 21-22.

However, experience won out. A crucial attack error by Arroyo allowed Petro Gazz to regain momentum. Pablo then delivered the decisive block on Gagate, sending the ball into an unguarded zone to seal the victory.

Veteran Chie Saet, the architect of the Angels’ offense, finished with 20 excellent sets and five points, including a crucial 1-2 play that caught the defense off guard.

“We stayed composed and relaxed in the latter part of the third set,” Saet shared. “I reminded them to stay calm and focus on our first ball.”

Semifinal Showdowns Await

With the semifinals set, Petro Gazz must quickly shift focus to Creamline, their biggest test yet. The Cool Smashers, led by Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos, pose a formidable challenge.

Meanwhile, the other semifinal matchup features Choco Mucho vs. Akari at 4 p.m. at Ynares Center in Antipolo on March 29, followed by the Creamline-Petro Gazz battle at 6:30 p.m.

With a PVL championship in sight, the Angels must elevate their game even further in the next phase.