Petro Gazz, rebounding from a tough four-set loss to Pool B leader Kaohsiung Taipower, unleashed its full might against winless Hip Hing, breezing through a 25-8, 25-12, 25-12 sweep to claim the last quarterfinal berth in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Angels, who dropped a 15-25, 16-25, 25-19, 20-25 defeat to the Taiwanese powerhouse last Monday, now face an even taller order – a quarterfinal duel with Pool A’s top seed Beijing Baic Motor – a formidable opponent led by a roster teeming with elite talent.
“This was a great game to find our rhythm as a team, to have fun, and enjoy each other’s play. We just decided to enjoy every point and not dwell on pressure,” said American import Gia Day, who led Petro Gazz with 18 points, eight digs and three excellent receptions.
The match was a one-sided affair from the get-go, with eight Angels entering the scoring column in a swift one-hour, 13-minute rout.
Hip Hing failed to mount any significant offense, managing only 12 points on nine attacks, two blocks and a lone service ace. A staggering 19 of their points came from Petro Gazz’s unforced errors.
MJ Phillips chipped in with nine points (seven spikes, one block and one ace), while Brooke Van Sickle contributed eight markers. Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Remy Palma added six points each, with Remy Palma notably firing three aces.
Hip Hing’s offense struggled mightily, with Sze Man Kwan and Tsz Ching Lam finishing with just three points each.
While all three Philippine clubs – Petro Gazz, Creamline and PLDT – survived the pool phase, the real battle now begins with each facing an uphill climb against tournament heavyweights in Thursday and Friday’s knockout quarterfinals.
PLDT will face Kazakhstan's Zhetysu at 4 p.m., followed by Petro Gazz taking on Chinese giant Beijing Baic Motor at 7 p.m.
On Friday, Creamline clashes with Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima, while Taipower meets VTV Binh Dien Long An of Vietnam.
Despite the daunting opposition, the local squads are banking on fan support, grit and home-court familiarity as they brace for a stern test against some of Asia’s most seasoned and skilled teams.
