Petro Gazz's Brooke Van Sickle had nothing but praise for team captain Remy Palma after the Angels displayed unwavering resilience to clinch a straight-sets victory over Akari in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
In a tightly contested match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday night, the Angels powered through adversity to emerge with a 28-26, 29-27, 25-18 triumph. The first two sets were nail-biters, requiring Petro Gazz to dig deep before dominating the third frame to seal the win.
Van Sickle, the reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP, highlighted Palma's crucial role in keeping the team composed, especially during the chaotic moments of the opening sets.
“I’m super proud of everyone. I feel like Rem [Palma] did a very good job collecting all the girls while we’re on the court and just to slow us down,” shared Van Sickle. “Because I feel like at times we're like ‘ahhh’ and she’s like, ‘calm down, it’s okay, take a breath and just play our volleyball.’ I thought she did a fantastic job keeping the team together.”
The Angels' first-set comeback was a testament to their grit. Trailing 16-11, they clawed their way back to extend the set, eventually outlasting the Chargers in a nerve-wracking finish. The second set followed a similar storyline, with Petro Gazz rallying late to save five set points and snatch victory from Akari.
Riding high on the momentum of their hard-fought wins, the Angels took complete control in the third set. With sharp plays and unrelenting energy, they closed out the match in convincing fashion, marking their third win in four outings.
Van Sickle delivered a stellar performance, leading the Angels with 19 points and energizing her teammates with her positive attitude.
“I thought everyone came out with really good energy. Everyone’s smiling, it was good vibes,” she said. “Akari came out with fire and grit as always, and they did a great job. It was a fantastic battle; it was good volleyball.”
Palma, who anchored the team both emotionally and strategically, humbly credited her teammates and coaches for sticking to their game plan during the critical junctures of the match.
“Na-appreciate ko lahat ng teammates ko na ‘di kami nawalan ng pasensya sa kapitan [‘yung laro],” Palma said. “‘Yung first and second set na hinabol namin ‘yung lamang ng kalaban, hindi kami nawalan ng grit ba [para] ma-overcome ‘yung challenge na pinagdaanan namin kanina. Na-appreciate ko ‘yung coaches and teammates ko.”
