If strong starts set the tone for championships, the Petro Gazz Angels just roared into the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Finals with a statement win. In front of a roaring 8,841 crowd at the Araneta Coliseum, the Angels stunned defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers with a clutch 25-17, 25-20, 18-25, 20-25, 15-10 victory in Game 1 of the All-Filipino Conference Finals on Tuesday, April 8.

From the opening serve, Petro Gazz dictated tempo, silencing Creamline’s trademark comeback surge and pushing themselves within one win of their first-ever All-Filipino crown.

Stepping up when it mattered most was MJ Phillips, who fired six of her 16 points in the deciding fifth set. She opened the set with three straight points—a kill block, a hit off the block, and an ace—to set the tone for the finale. Her powerful presence and leadership stretched the lead to 8-4 and eventually 13-8, deflating the Creamline momentum.

Though the Cool Smashers rallied, with kills from Michele Gumabao and a block by Bea de Leon, Bernadette Pons’ attack error and a failed challenge sealed the match for the Angels. Ironically, Pons—who had helped fuel Creamline’s earlier fightback—delivered the final miscue.

Brooke Van Sickle, who erupted for 24 points and was named Best Player of the Game, said, “It was extremely stressful, but I’m proud of my team. This was a tough battle and we fought hard.”

Petro Gazz’s well-rounded effort included 16 points from Jonah Sabete and 12 from Myla Pablo. Statistically, the Angels matched Creamline’s 62 attacks but held the edge in blocks (13-10), aces (5-3), and unforced errors (22 to 23).

The Angels’ emotional two-hour, 24-minute triumph also followed a semifinal sweep, including a previous four-set win against Creamline, proving their readiness for the big stage.

Game 2 is set for Thursday, once again at Araneta Coliseum, where Creamline will attempt to extend the series and defend their legacy—while Petro Gazz hopes to seal the deal.

“Creamline is gritty. They never give up,” said Van Sickle, who also praised team captain Remy Palma for her calming leadership.

Despite solid outings from Creamline’s stars—Pons (16 points), Panaga (13), De Leon (11), Galanza (10), and Gumabao (9)—the defending champs couldn’t complete the comeback.

Now, the Angels stand on the brink of history—ready to write their own chapter in PVL lore.