The stage is set for an intense showdown in Game 2 of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Finals. With Petro Gazz claiming the lead in the best-of-three series, they are now just one game away from securing their first All-Filipino Conference title. However, Creamline is far from out of the race, determined to battle back and force a Game 3 decider.

After a hard-fought Game 1 victory, the Angels are focused on continuing their momentum and not letting history repeat itself.

“We just can’t think about that time,” said Petro Gazz star Brooke Van Sickle, referring to the painful 2023 series loss. “We remember it, we take lessons from it, but we’re not going to relive it. One game at a time, one point at a time – we just have to finish it.”

Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum, with the stakes higher than ever. The Angels will look to seal the deal and take the series, while Creamline is determined to rally and push the series to the final game.

Van Sickle, who led the charge in Game 1 with 24 points and 14 excellent digs, knows that this next match will be just as critical.

“I’m expecting Creamline to come out with their best volleyball on Thursday,” she said. “We need to be ready. We can’t let the energy drop, especially not against a team like Creamline.”

Teammate MJ Phillips, who contributed 16 points in the victory, including six in the crucial fifth set, echoed that sentiment.

“I just kept looking them (my teammates) in the eyes, like ‘You got me, I got you,’” Phillips said. “I treated every point like it was my last. And with my team behind me, I was able to do well.”

Despite their strong performance, Petro Gazz knows that Creamline has the championship pedigree to mount a comeback. Creamline has appeared in 13 Finals and captured 10 championships, including five out of the last six titles. This level of experience cannot be underestimated.

“Creamline is very strong, but my players delivered a very good performance,” said Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara. “We’ll take it one step at a time and keep our focus.”

The victory in Game 1 gave the Angels a massive confidence boost, but they remain cautious of Creamline’s resilience.

“We just did our individual roles, and then we connected as a team,” said Jonah Sabete, who provided valuable support. “It was super important that we won Game 1.”

As the team heads into Game 2, there’s no doubt that each point will matter more than ever.

“Passing needs improvement,” said Van Sickle, highlighting one area where the team needs to focus. “That’s where we broke down in Set 3. In volleyball, serving and passing are everything. We just have to be better.”

Petro Gazz is determined to finish what they started, while Creamline will look to rally for the win and force a deciding game. With everything on the line, this Finals promises to be an unforgettable battle for the history books.