Petro Gazz flaunted its deep bench and all-around plays to crush Akari, 25-22, 25-20, 25-18, for a return trip to the finals in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, April 3.

Petro Gazz flaunted its deep bench and all-around plays to crush Akari, 25-22, 25-20, 25-18, for a return trip to the finals in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, April 3.

The Angels reasserted their mastery over the Chargers by dictating the tempo for most parts of the one hour, 27-minute match en route to sweeping all their three semifinal assignments. They overcame the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in similar four-set decisions.

It was Petro Gazz’s fourth finals appearance in the All-Filipino Conference and first since battling Creamline in the 2023 First All-Filipino. The Angels, however, are still seeking their breakthrough title in the Conference dominated by the Cool Smashers over the last four consecutive years.

A few hours later, though, Creamline booked itself its eighth straight finals appearance in the conference after dismantling sister team Choco Mucho, 25-19, 25-15, 25-15, to arrange a finals duel with Petro Gazz.

The Cool Smashers overpowered the Flying Titans on all fronts with four players scoring in double figures in Bernadeth Pons with 14 points, Tots Carlos with 13, Alyssa Valdez with 11, and Pangs Panaga with 10.

Game 1 of their best-of-three finals will be on Tuesday, April 8, at the same venue.

Veteran Myla Pablo, meanwhile, flashed her vintage form for Petro Gazz by firing 16 points built on 11 kills and four blocks, while Brooke Van Sickle displayed her consistent fiery prowess by pumping in 15 points.

Pablo said they are dedicating this finals appearance for Van Sickle, who has been pushing the Angels over the last two conferences to reach where they are now.

“Last two conferences, siya halos ang gumagawa, so sabi namin, para kay Brooke na ito,” said Pablo.

“Siyempre nagtulung-tulong din kami para makarating dito sa finals. Binigyan namin ng kumpiyansa ang isa’t isa dito sa larong ito,” she added.

True enough, the Angels were all over the place -- attacking the net at all angles, providing rock-solid net defense and taking charge of the floor -- which were evident as early as the opening set. Van Sickle, in fact, also contributed nine excellent digs.

“It’s a surreal moment for me,” said Van Sickle on her first finals appearance. “It’s been a long conference of ups and downs, and to be where we are right now is amazing. I’m really excited for the finals.”