Petro Gazz is heading back to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference finals after dismantling Akari in straight sets, 25-22, 25-20, 25-18, on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the dominant victory, the Angels completed a sweep of the semifinals and booked their fourth appearance in the finals of the All-Filipino and sixth overall in the country’s most prestigious women’s club league.

The last time the Angels were in the finals was in the All-Filipino of 2023 in which they surrendered to Creamline at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Veteran hitter Myla Pablo delivered a stellar performance, earning Player of the Game honors with 15 points, including 11 attacks and four kill blocks, while American reinforcement Brooke Van Sickle also contributed 15 points to provide Petro Gazz with a consistent offensive presence throughout the match.

Grethcel Soltones led the Chargers with 14 points, all from attacks, while Ivy Lacsina and Ely Soyud chipped in eight and seven points, respectively.

‘Everyone contributed. Our offense and defense clicked just as our coaches instructed us.’

Pablo expressed her elation but remains focused on the bigger mission — the PVL crown.

“The job is not done,” said Pablo, a grizzled hitter who provides leadership and stability inside and outside the court.

“We’re very happy to be back in the finals after missing out in the last two conferences, but the job is not done yet.”

The Angels set the tone early with Pablo delivering back-to-back blocks to snatch the opening set from Akari.

In the third set, Petro Gazz appeared to be in full control, but Soltones kept the Chargers in the fight with a powerful attack that tied the game at 9. She continued her aggressive play, keeping Akari within striking distance.

However, Petro Gazz remained composed. Van Sickle powered back-to-back kills to extend the Angels’ lead to 19-14 before Joy Dacoron pushed them to match point at 24-17 with a well-placed hit off setter Michelle Cobb’s hands.

Nicole Tiamzon then sealed the victory with a final spike, sending the Angels back to the championship stage.

Pablo, the 2018 Reinforced Conference Most Valuable Player, also credited the team’s well-balanced effort.

“Everyone contributed. Our offense and defense clicked just as our coaches instructed us,” she added.

With the finals looming, Pablo dedicated the team’s success to Van Sickle, who has serving as their main offensive weapon for the past two conferences.

“This finals appearance is for Brooke because she has been delivering for us in the past two conferences. But of course, this is for all of us as well.”

Petro Gazz now shifts its focus to the best-of-three championship series against either Creamline or Choco Mucho starting 8 April.