Petro Gazz overcame the persistent attempts of ZUS Coffee with a 25-16, 25-21, 25-21 victory on Thursday, July 18, to open its title campaign on a high note in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Brooke Van Sickle spearheaded the assault by nailing 22 points built on 18 attacks, one block and three aces for the Angels, who won the title in the last Reinforced Conference two years back.

The Fil-American outside hitter also took charge of their defense by contributing 11 digs.

Petro Gazz was enjoying a comfortable 18-8 cushion in the third set when the rebranded ZUS Coffee unleashed a 7-0 spurt to trim the gap at 18-15.

Van Sickle joined forces with Jonah Sabete and Wilma Salas to keep the momentum for the Angels, but the Thunderbelles remained resilient as they saved three match points to keep the game alive, 24-21.

An overset from Chie Saet, though, had ZUS Coffee scrambling as Petro Gazz sealed the victory.

“My team did a fantastic job,” said Van Sickle. “ ZUS Coffee was so scrappy, digging balls and everything, and at this point, we just have to stay calm and stick together as a team.”

Salas contributed 15 points including 12 kills while skipper Remy Palma and Aiza Pontillas combined for 13 points.

The Angels played with MJ Phillips, who was nursing a foot injury.

Petro Gazz dominated ZUS Coffee on all fronts particularly in attacks where it hammered down 45 kills compared to 36 from the Thunderbelles.

The Angels also had more blocks, 10-5, and fired more aces 5-1.

Japanese reinforcement Tamaru Asaka scored 17 points for ZUS Coffee, which played without top overall rookie draft pick Thea Gagate due to national team duties.