‘We remember it, we take lessons from it, but we’re not going to relive it. One game at a time, one point at a time — we just have to finish it.’
ALYSSA Valdez and Creamline are determined to extend their reign by beating Petro Gazz in Game 2 of their PVL All-Filipino Conference best-of-three finals series tonight.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PVL
Games today:
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. — Choco Mucho vs Akari
6:30 p.m. — Petro Gazz vs Creamline
Philippine volleyball’s strongest dynasty is on the brink of a massive collapse as Petro Gazz guns for the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference crown against a defiant Creamline side in Game 2 today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game time is at 6:30 p.m. with the Angels looking to capitalize on the momentum they gained from a grueling five-set sweep of reigning champion Cool Smashers in Game 1 of this best-of-three finals duel late Tuesday.
Petro Gazz’s 25-17, 25-20, 18-25, 20-25, 15-10 triumph was painful for Creamline, which has an impressive winning run of eight in its past nine series openers.
But more than anything, it puts its dynasty of six All-Filipino titles in serious trouble.
Petro Gazz star Brooke Van Sickle, however, refused to get complacent, saying that for a team with a brilliant tactician, veteran stars and a rich winning tradition like Creamline, clawing back from a Game 1 defeat isn’t difficult.
After all, the Angels also prevailed over the Cool Smashers in Game 1 of their All-Filipino Conference best-of-three title duel in 2023 but the ladies in pink rose from the ashes to win the next two games to secure the title.
“This is Creamline. I always expect five sets,” said Van Sickle, who led all scorers with 24 points in their heartstopping win over Creamline in Game 1.
“As a volleyball player, you just have to be ready physically and mentally. You have to take care of your body so you can perform.”
Along with head coach Koji Tsuzurabara, Van Sickle is playing in her first PVL finals since joining the league more than a year ago.
She is determined to lead the Angels to the All-Filipino crown as their past three attempts were all spoiled by the Cool Smashers, who are being bannered by the veteran crew of Alyssa Valdez, Bea de Leon, Michele Gumabao, Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos.
Now, they stand just one win away from breaking that drought — and exacting long-awaited revenge.
“We just can’t think about that time,” said 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 time, one point at a time — we just have to finish it.”
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