Angels seek finals return vs Chargers

Petro Gazz seeks a return trip to the finals when it squares off with the dangerous Akari side in this crucial semifinal tiff on Thursday, April 3, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Match is at 4 p.m. with the Angels gunning for a sweep of their semis assignments for a spot in the championship round they last tasted in the 2023 First All-Filipino Conference.

Morale is high from Petro Gazz after surviving a tough 24-26, 25-18, 25-17, 27-25 victory over Choco Mucho just last Tuesday, April 1, and coach Koji Tsuzurabara eyes to maintain it that way against an equally-hungry Akari side.

“Akari is a strong team,” said Tsuzurabara, whose stalwarts are also drawing strength from their four-set win over the multi-titled defending champion Creamline a few days back.

A loss for Petro Gazz, combined with a potential Creamline victory over Choco Mucho in their 6:30 p.m. affair, would result in a three-way tie at the top at 2-1. The best team with the superior tiebreak would secure the first finals berth, while the remaining two will battle in a playoff.

Meanwhile, wins by both Akari and Choco Mucho would force a three-way tie for second at 1-2, with Petro Gazz securing the first Finals slot and the other two also fighting for the other ticket.

For the Angels, it would be an uphill climb against the Chargers despite prevailing in their first meeting, 28-26, 29-27, 25-18.

Brooke Van Sickle remains at the core of Petro Gazz’s assault with her impressive and consistent numbers including a rare triple-double performance of 17 points, 12 digs and 33 receptions against Choco Mucho.

Also expected to provide ammunition are Myla Pablo, Chie Saet, and MJ Phillips.

“I always try my hardest to involve everyone, not to put too much pressure on the setters and to create good scoring opportunities,” said Van Sickle.

“I want to be just as good on offense as I am in the back row,” she added.

But Akari has its own arsenal in Eli Soyud, Faith Nisperos and Ced Domingo, although the Chargers needed to regain their lost bearing after a straight-set defeat to Creamline that dampened their finals campaign.

The trio combined for 59 points -- including 34 from Soyud alone -- in their five-set triumph over Choco Mucho a few days back, only to lose steam against Creamline.