Petro Gazz redeemed itself from a previous tough five-set defeat as it toppled a top contender in PLDT as the Angels slowed down the High Speed Hitters and pounded out a 25-16, 25-23, 25-21 in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference prelims at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Saturday, March 2.

Brooke Van Sickle and Jonah Sabete spearheaded the Angels’ assault, finishing with 23 and 13 points, respectively, while skipper Remy Palma added nine markers and Aiza Pontillas and setter Chie Saet each scored four points.

Van Sickle and Sabete displayed only their offensive prowess but also their defensive skills as they finished with 12 and 10 excellent digs, respectively, with the former adding four excellent receptions.

Reflecting on the team’s resilient performance, Van Sickle, who earned the best player of the game honors, emphasized the importance of refining their style and maintaining a killer mentality in practice.

She also praised the team’s scrappiness and defensive attitude, highlighting their determination to prevent any ball from dropping.

Sabete, whose 29-point explosion went down the drain in a five-set loss to the Flying Titans last Tuesday, took charge in the opening set where she unloaded several hits before combining with Van Sickle and Palma in the clutch in the next frame.

Despite a strong start in the third set, Petro Gazz struggled when they surrendered five consecutive points and trailed, 6-8. Van Sickle’s leadership, however, propelled the team to regain control at 14-11, before thwarting PLDT’s attempts at a comeback, the last at 21-23 on a Dell Palomata hit that ended a long, tense-filled exchange.

But Kiesha Bedonia served long and the Angels wrapped it up on a Joy Dacoron ace.

Petro Gazz thus tied its victim at fourth at 2-1 with Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo, toting identical 2-0 slates with Cignal, disputing the solo lead at presstime.

The Angels’ victory underscored their chemistry on the court, though they narrowly out-performed the High Speed Hitters in spikes (46-41) and blocks (4-2). But they pounced on their opponents’ shaky reception, scoring eight aces while conceding just two.

Savi Davison finished with 19 points while Erika Santos had 10 markers for the High Speed Hitters, who previously swept the Galeries Hightowers and the Nxled Chameleons.