Petro Gazz delivered one of its grittiest wins of the season on Monday, November 24, rallying past Creamline in four sets, 25-23, 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, to book a spot in the PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals at the Araneta Coliseum. The Angels survived the early loss of import Lindsey Vander Weide, who rolled her ankle in the opening set, and responded with the kind of collective composure that has eluded them in past duels with their storied rivals.

Instead of unraveling, the Angels used the setback as a spark. They seized the first two sets through aggressive serving, disciplined blocking and steady transition play, catching the Cool Smashers flat-footed despite Creamline’s reputation for thriving in chaotic moments.

Creamline tried to flip the narrative in the third, stringing together a dominant run that trimmed the match to 2–1. But Petro Gazz refused to give in, regaining momentum behind sharper floor defense and renewed offensive rhythm.

Pablo steps into the spotlight

Myla Pablo led the charge with 26 points, including 23 off powerful attacks that repeatedly punctured Creamline’s coverage. Her steady presence guided Petro Gazz through the emotional swing created by Vander Weide’s exit, and her aggressive shot-making dismantled Creamline’s early attempts to control the pace.

Pablo credited the win to the group’s shared focus, noting how each rotation stayed engaged despite the sudden shift in personnel. Vander Weide later returned in the fourth set and contributed six points, providing stability at a crucial moment.

Brooke Van Sickle added 19 points while notching 12 digs and 10 receptions, turning in a two-way performance that buoyed the Angels’ system on both ends. MJ Phillips chipped in 10, and Jonah Sabete supplied timely support.

Angels show maturity in breakthrough win

Rookie setter Jules Tolentino stood out with 18 excellent sets, steering the offense with poise in one of the biggest matches of her young career. Her quick distribution kept Creamline’s blockers scrambling and allowed Petro Gazz to maintain rhythm even under pressure.

Creamline had its bright spots, led by Coco Schwan’s 17 points and Pangs Panaga’s 14, including six blocks. Tots Carlos added 13 while Michele Gumabao and Alyssa Valdez contributed key plays. But the Cool Smashers never fully capitalized on the brief window created by Vander Weide’s early absence, yielding the first two sets they were expected to control.

While Creamline still holds a commanding 28-11 head-to-head advantage, Petro Gazz’s win carried weight. It signaled a shift in identity—an evolution from a team heavily reliant on imports to one capable of dictating matches through depth, readiness, and collective resolve.

The Angels now prepare for the Chargers, who dealt a stunning sweep to top-seeded Farm Fresh. Pablo said the team must tighten its execution to avoid lapses like the third-set stumble.