Nothing kicks off a record-setting tournament better than a clash between two of the Premier Volleyball League’s marquee teams.
And Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho delivered on the hype, going head-to-head in an electrifying four-set showdown that had the Philsports Arena Saturday crowd on their feet. The game was packed with thrilling rallies, star-studded returns, seasoned veterans and rising talents, making for a memorable opening match.
After a seesaw battle that kept fans guessing in the first three sets, the Angels finally claimed victory with a dominant performance in the fourth frame, winning 25-20, 26-28, 25-21, 25-16.
Despite Choco Mucho losing steam in the fourth amid the Angels’ relentless offense, the intense back-and-forth action showed the skill and resilience of both teams, setting the stage for a competitive All-Filipino Conference.
After the Flying Titans saved two match points, Petro Gazz rookie AA Adolfo rose to the occasion, converting a precise set from Djanel Cheng into a clutch off-the-block hit that sealed the Angels’ hard-fought two-hour, four-minute victory.
While Adolfo and the Angels' bench played a pivotal role in the win, it was Brooke Van Sickle who dominated the spotlight as the explosive Fil-American unleashed a stunning 34-point performance, including 28 powerful attacks.
Despite her standout numbers, however, Van Sickle remained humble, saying, “For me, I don’t worry about stats. I just try to give it my 100 percent every time. I make sure I’m there for my teammates.”
Van Sickle also showcased her defensive prowess, tallying 14 excellent digs, with Jellie Tempiatura adding 11 to Petro Gazz’s robust backcourt performance.
Offensively, Jonah Sabete and Aiza Pontillas each scored 18 points, while Remy Palma added 10 as the Angels amassed 73 attack points, 20 more than the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, who faltered in the third set and lost momentum in the fourth.
The Angels capitalized on Choco Mucho’s struggles with service reception, scoring seven aces and preventing any from the Titans. However, Petro Gazz's aggressive playstyle led to 24 unforced errors, compared to Choco Mucho's 13, showing an area they’ll need to refine for cleaner wins.
Sisi Rondina led Choco Mucho with 18 points, showcasing her signature explosive kills, while Cherry Nunag and Kat Tolentino each contributed 12, and Isa Molde and Royse Tubino chipped in six points apiece.
Despite a spirited effort, Choco Mucho struggled to recover from its third-set slump, allowing the Angels to dominate the fourth set and secure a convincing victory.
The win thus gave Petro Gazz, which struggled to sixth place in the last Reinforced Conference, the needed momentum as the Angels prepare to face the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers in their next match on Nov. 16 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
