Threading through familiar territory, Petro Gazz seeks a different outcome this time as it guns for the elusive Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference title against defending champion Creamline on Thursday, April 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Angels aim for nothing but a sweep of their best-of-three championship series in their 6:30 p.m. tussle after claiming Game 1 with a tough 25-17, 25-20, 18-25, 20-25 15-10 last Tuesday, April 8.

Two years ago, Petro Gazz also drew the first blood in its finals series, only to lose the series to the same rival.

This time, the Angels are determined not to let history repeat itself.

“We just can’t think about that time,” said Brooke Van Sickle, referring to their 2023 meltdown.

“We remember it, we take lessons from it, but we’re not going to relive it. One game at a tie, one point at a time -- we just have to finish it,” she added.

Van Sickle is expected to remain at the core of Petro Gazz’s assault, having been consistently steering the squad on all departments particularly in attacks. In Game 1, the Fil-American spiker fired 21 kills to finish with 24 points.

But more than stepping up, Van Sickle believes in team effort. Her teammate MJ Phillips echoed the sentiment.

“I just keep looking at my teammates in the eyes, like ‘You got me, I got you.’ I treated every point like it was my last,” said Phillips, who provided enough support with 16 points.

“And with my team behind me, I was able to do well,” she added.

Also out to give reinforcements are Jonah Sabete and Chie Saet, who also shone when it mattered most.

Keeping the momentum and energy on their side would be crucial, especially against a team like Creamline known for its championship pedigree. Winning 10 titles in 13 finals appearances including five of the last six titles and a Grand Slam run, the Angels expect the Cool Smashers to go all out to forge a deciding Game 3.

“May Game 2 pa naman, hindi pa huli ang lahat,” said Creamline’s star hitter Jema Galanza.

“Siguro yung kailangan, una pa lang lumaban na kami agad. Kung kaya namin pumuntos ng anim, walo dire-diretso, una pa lang dapat ilaban namin,” she added.

Apart from Galanza, out to regain their bearings back are Bernadeth Pons, Tots Carlos, Pangs Panaga, Michele Gumabao and Alyssa Valdez.

Game 3, if necessary, will be on Saturday, April 12.

Meanwhile, Akari seeks for the bronze medal when it tangles with Choco Mucho at 4 p.m.