The ongoing All-Filipino Finals isn’t just about a title – it's about history.
In a rematch of the 2023 championship showdown, the Premier Volleyball League's marquee clash between Petro Gazz and Creamline has once again placed destiny in the spotlight. And as the Angels drew first blood in the best-of-three series at the Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, pulling off a gritty 25-17, 25-20, 18-25, 20-25, 15-10 victory, the question now looms: will Petro Gazz finally change the narrative, or will Creamline once more defy the odds?
In a déjà vu scenario from two years ago, Petro Gazz had also claimed Game One, only to suffer a heartbreaking series loss after Creamline stormed back to win the final two games, capturing its sixth conference crown.
This time, the Angels are determined not to let history repeat itself.
“We just can’t think about that time,” said star hitter Brooke Van Sickle, referencing the 2023 meltdown. “We remember it, we take lessons from it, but we’re not going to relive it. One game at a time, one point at a time – we just have to finish it.”
Game Two is set at 6:30 on Thursday night at the Araneta Coliseum with Akari also shooting for the bronze against Choco Mucho at 4 p.m.
Van Sickle spearheaded the Game One victory with a 24-point explosion and 14 excellent digs, igniting the Angels and earning praise for her clutch performance. But she knows the battle is far from over.
“I’m expecting Creamline to come out with their best volleyball on Thursday,” she added. “We need to be ready. We can’t let the energy drop, especially not against a team like Creamline.”
Her teammate MJ Phillips, who delivered 16 points – including six in the decisive fifth set – echoed that resolve.
“I just kept looking them (my teammates) in the eyes, like ‘You got me, I got you.’ I treated every point like it was my last,” said Phillips. “And with my team behind me, I was able to do well.”
Despite the momentum, the Angels remain wary of Creamline’s pedigree. With 10 championships in 13 Finals appearances – including five of the last six titles and a Grand Slam run – Creamline has built a legacy of resilience and championship DNA.
“Creamline is very strong, but my players delivered a very good performance,” said Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara, sidestepping further questions with his trademark “no comment” cool.
And it’s not just Van Sickle and Phillips who have stepped up. Jonah Sabete and skipper Remy Palma have provided stability and firepower when they mattered most.
“We’ll play Game 2 like there’s no tomorrow,” vowed Sabete in Filipino.
“When we see Rem and MJ shouting and lifting the team, it motivates us to bounce back and do what each of us is meant to do,” she added.
Despite leading 2-0 in the match, Petro Gazz knows how quickly things can unravel. The third set lapse was a warning sign – a reminder of how dangerous Creamline can be when given a sliver of momentum.
“It was what we expected – Creamline has a massive fan base. It was loud and chaotic at times,” said Van Sickle. “A five-setter can go either way. At that point, you never know who’s going to win.”
Still, the Angels held their nerve, drawing from the composure of their veterans and the energy of a squad that’s been battle-tested in this six-month-long grueling tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“Super important that we won Game One – it really boosted everyone’s confidence,” said Sabete. “We just did our individual roles, and then we connected as a team.”
To finally break the spell and secure their first All-Filipino Conference title, Petro Gazz knows what it must do.
“We need to bring the energy back, stay consistent, communicate constantly and play as one,” said Van Sickle. “Passing needs improvement – that’s where we broke down in Set 3. And in volleyball, serving and passing are everything. We just have to be better.”
As Creamline prepares to mount yet another comeback and Petro Gazz tries to forge a new legacy, one thing is clear: volleyball fans are in for another unforgettable chapter. Whether it's a rewrite or a replay, this Finals is one for the history books.
