Petro Gazz ignited its bid for a third Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference title on a familiar and promising note, sweeping Galeries Tower in dominant fashion, 25-21, 25-19, 25-14, at the Dasmariñas Arena on Thursday, October 9.

It was a resounding performance that not only marked the official start of the import-laced tournament but also hinted at a recurring pattern that could define the Angels’ legacy — a championship every three years.

Brooke Van Sickle led the charge with 14 points and six excellent digs, while American import Lindsey Vander Weide fired 13 markers, picking up where she left off in 2022, when she powered Petro Gazz to its second Reinforced title and earned both Best Import and Finals MVP honors. Her presence once again signals the team’s intent to reclaim league supremacy.

“I just tried to enjoy every point. I’m just really happy with this opportunity — being able to play and be coached by my parents again,” said Van Sickle. “I’m grateful and very happy.”

Angels eye another three-year championship cycle

Petro Gazz’s first Reinforced Conference title came in 2019, when Janisa Johnson and Wilma Salas led the team to a breakthrough campaign that dethroned Creamline. In 2022, Vander Weide took charge and guided a retooled roster to another championship run. Now in 2025, the Angels are once again in position to chase a third crown won in three-year intervals.

“I think we have a lot of depth this year. We have solid players coming in and anybody can step up on the court and make a difference. So that makes me really comfortable playing with them,” said Vander Weide, who also tallied eight receptions.

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While one victory doesn’t define a championship season, Petro Gazz’s emphatic start bodes well for their campaign. With 12 teams vying for the title, history suggests the Angels thrive in these cycles — peaking at just the right time to etch their name in league history.

Their next match is an anticipated clash with rivals Creamline on Oct. 14 at the Araneta Coliseum, which could serve as an early test of their championship credentials.

Djanel Cheng’s playmaking anchors the attack

After sizing up the Highrisers in the opening set and finding their rhythm in the second, the Angels shifted into high gear in the third, racing to an 18-12 lead behind the steady orchestration of Djanel Cheng. She tallied 14 excellent sets and added four points off smart 1-2 plays.

“Our focus was really on winning our first game so we could establish a foundation and see what direction to take for our upcoming matches,” said Cheng, reflecting on the team’s approach after a disappointing PVL On Tour showing.

Cheng’s ability to read defenses and distribute the ball unpredictably was pivotal. Her control allowed Petro Gazz to outgun Galeries Tower in attacks, 46-32, sealing the one-hour, 19-minute victory.

MJ Phillips added 12 points, while Jonah Sabete scored eight. Myla Pablo and Ranya Musa chipped in four points each.

On the other side, no Highriser reached double digits. Import Jelena Cvijovic and Dodee Batindaan led with nine points apiece, while Jen Asis and Ysa Jimenez had seven and six, respectively.