Petro Gazz survived Creamline with a 25-22, 24-26, 25-23, 26-24 win to take Game One of their best-of-three finals series in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Sunday, March 26, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Reinforced titlist regained its composure after dropping the second set at the hands of the Cool Smashers.

The Angels also snapped their 14-game head-to-head losing streak over the Cool Smashers which dates back to Game Three of the finals in July 2019 to move on the cusp of their first All-Filipino title.

Jonah Sabete dropped 18 points off 16 attacks and two blocks laced with 15 excellent receptions, while Aiza Maizo Pontillas added 15.

Grethcel Soltones and MJ Phillips also had 14 points each for Petro Gazz to match Creamline's all-around team effort.

Jonah Sabete took maters into her owns hands to lift Petro Gazz past Creamline to move a wina way from its first All-Filipino title. (PVL Images)

In the fourth set, the Angels quickly raced to an early 9-4 advantage before stepping on the gas and turning it into a 18-13 cushion via a 3-0 run.

Just as Petro Gazz thought it was pulling away for good, Creamline would put up a fightback and save four  match points to tie the game at 24-all.

However, Phillips would lift the Angels with a quick attack before their bench called a successful challenge on a Jia De Guzman net touch which ultimately ended the match.

"They showed great character towards the ending. Kailangan lang mag-prepare and [magkaroon] ng tamang mindset," said Petro Gazz head coach Oliver Almadro.

Jema Galanza and Michele Gumabao paced the Cool Smashers with 18 points each, while Tots Carlos and Ced Domingo chipped in 17 and 14, respectively, in the losing effort.