Creamline gets better with age – like the finest wine – seasoned, smooth and supremely confident. But Petro Gazz is bubbling with belief, ready to uncork what the Angels believe is their moment of destiny in the Premier Volleyball League’s All-Filipino Conference championship.
The Angels aren’t just hungry – they’re famished. They return to the best-of-three Finals not only seeking redemption after falling to the Cool Smashers in the 2023 title clash, but also riding a tidal wave of momentum following an emphatic sweep of the semifinal round.
That included a morale-boosting four-set triumph over the defending champions – a psychological edge many see as a turning point.
Led by the tactical mind of coach Koji Tsuzurabara, Petro Gazz enters the Finals with a perfect blend of form, health and hunger. Every player on the roster has stepped up when called upon, delivering in unglamorous but vital ways.
The Angels’ Finals-clinching win over the Akari Chargers featured standout performances not just from their stars – Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, MJ Phillips and Jonah Sabete – but also from key bench players like Joy Dacoron, Aiza Pontillas, Ranya Musa and Nicole Tiamzon – all delivering hustle, heart and high-impact contributions.
And then there’s Van Sickle. The explosive scorer is making her first-ever Finals appearance, and the entire Petro Gazz squad has rallied around her, determined to make it count.
“We’re rallying behind Brooke since this is her first Finals,” said Pablo, who has also rediscovered her fierce form in time for the most important stretch of the season.
Still, destiny is a bold dream – but Creamline is a proven dynasty.
Ten championships in 13 Finals appearances. A sweep of the last four PVL titles. Undefeated in the All-Filipino format since its addition to the calendar in early 2023. The Cool Smashers are not just champions – they are the standard.
Creamline thrives under pressure, its experience in high-stakes battles unmatched in the league. The Cool Smashers absorbed the semis loss to Petro Gazz with veteran poise, rebounding with statement wins over the Akari Chargers and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans to punch their ticket to yet another Finals appearance.
For the likes of Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Bernadeth Pons, Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga – the Finals isn’t just familiar territory – it’s home.
Their bench is equally formidable. Michele Gumabao, Lorie Bernardo Rosemarie Vargas – all capable of swinging momentum with a single rotation. Even as Jema Galanza battles through health setbacks, Creamline’s depth remains a massive advantage, with coach Sherwin Meneses masterfully managing his rotations and adjustments.
But the upcoming best-of-three series won’t be won on names alone. It’s about timing, hunger and belief.
Petro Gazz believes the time is now – that its balanced attack, cohesive energy and collective will can finally pierce the armor of the champions.
Creamline, meanwhile, is playing not just to defend a title, but to cement a legacy – perhaps one of the greatest in Philippine volleyball history.
With both squads boasting firepower at the net, brilliant floor defense, and cerebral setters, this series promises to be a volleyball spectacle. It’s the dynasty versus the dreamers. Experience vs. urgency. Legacy vs. destiny.
And it all begins Tuesday at the Araneta Coliseum– the making of a classic.
