Petro Gazz stuns PLDT to secure No. 5 seed in PVL Reinforced Conference

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Petro Gazz delivered a stunning performance against a heavily favored PLDT team, winning 25-21, 27-25, 23-25, 25-21 to secure the No. 5 seed in the PVL Reinforced Conference at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. The Angels’ decisive victory on Thursday, Nov. 20, reshaped the playoff picture as the knockout stage approaches.

Farm Fresh finished at 7-1 to claim the top seed, followed by ZUS Coffee at No. 2. PLDT slipped to No. 3, Creamline is fourth, and Petro Gazz rounds out the Top 5, with Cignal, Capital1, and Akari completing the Top 8. Quarterfinals begin Monday at Araneta Coliseum, with winners advancing to Thursday’s semifinals and the championship showdown on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Libero Bangs Pineda earned Best Player of the Game honors with stellar defense. [PVL Images]

Quarterfinal matchups and stakes

Farm Fresh faces Akari, ZUS Coffee meets Capital1, PLDT clashes with sister team Cignal, and Creamline will battle Petro Gazz. Despite seedings, the conference has shown that the knockout rounds can be unpredictable. Reversals, comebacks, and upsets have been common this season, with imports often swinging momentum in crucial moments.

Petro Gazz demonstrated championship-level resilience. Lindsey Vander Weide led the attack with 35 points, supported by Brooke Van Sickle (27), Jonah Sabete (12), and MJ Phillips (10). Their combined offensive output helped Petro Gazz outscore PLDT 76-59, giving them the upper hand in every set but the third.

Pineda shines in defense as Petro Gazz rallies

Libero Bangs Pineda anchored the defense with 23 excellent digs and 10 receptions, earning Best Player of the Game honors. “Nag-cover lang ako sa mga nawawala. ’Yun ang malaking tulong ko sa kanila,” she said, crediting her teammates for the win.

PLDT fought back in the fourth set, saving four match points with Kath Arado’s remarkable floor defense. Despite the resistance, Petro Gazz maintained composure, with setter Jules Tolentino continuously feeding Vander Weide. The American capped the match with a powerful zero-tempo hit to seal the four-set victory.

The win confirms Petro Gazz’s readiness to chase a third Reinforced crown, entering the quarterfinals with momentum, poise, and confidence.