After a dominant showing in the local scene, Petro Gazz is now preparing to test its mettle against elite Asian clubs in the AVC Women’s Club Championship 2025.

Fresh off its 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference championship, the club is taking its campaign to the international level. Petro Gazz finds itself grouped in Pool B alongside Taiwanese champion Taipower and Hong Kong contender Hip Hing, with matches set at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The tournament serves not only as a competitive challenge but also as an opportunity for the team to raise the flag for Philippine volleyball on a continental stage.

Familiar foes await Tsuzurabara’s squad

Head coach Koji Tsuzurabara, who once led the Chinese Taipei women’s national team, faces a personal reunion in the opening match. His former players now represent Taipower, including their current head coach, herself once under his wing.

“It’s a tough group,” Tsuzurabara said. “Taipower is under Chinese Taipei. Some of their players and even the coach were part of my team before. It’s a meaningful matchup for me.”

With only a short break between the PVL finals and their AVC debut, the team will rely heavily on the experience and chemistry developed during their championship run.

Strengthened roster, same mission

Petro Gazz’s campaign will be spearheaded by two of their most decorated performers—All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle and Finals MVP MJ Phillips. Despite being listed as imports in this tournament due to ongoing federation transfer processes, both remain essential pillars of the squad.

They are joined by American outside hitter Gia Day, a towering 6-foot-2 attacker making her international debut with the team.

“It’s my first time playing internationally, so I’m looking forward to experiencing a higher level of competition,” said Van Sickle. “I want to grow by watching and playing against strong teams.”

Supporting the trio is a cast of experienced veterans. Myla Pablo, Jonah Sabete, and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas provide consistent scoring, while Remy Palma, Marian Buitre, MJ Phillips, and Ranya Musa will be tasked with controlling the net.

Veteran setters Djanel Cheng and Chie Saet direct the offense, while liberos Baby Love Barbon and Jellie Tempiatura shore up the defense.

Bigger goals on the horizon

Beyond simply competing, Petro Gazz has its sights set on qualifying for the FIVB Club World Championship 2025, with only two Asian clubs advancing.

“We’re not just here for ourselves,” Van Sickle said. “We want all Philippine clubs—Creamline, PLDT, and us—to succeed. I’ll be cheering for them, too.”

Schedule – Pool B (Philsports Arena, Pasig)

• April 21, Monday – 4:00 PM: Petro Gazz vs Taipower

• April 22, Tuesday – 7:00 PM: Petro Gazz vs Hip Hing

As the Angels take flight once again—this time on an international court—they carry with them the hopes of a nation ready to shine on the Asian stage.