Petro Gazz may have exited the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League empty-handed, but the international experience gave the team something to build on.

Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them, the Angels gave powerhouse Chinese club Beijing BAIC Motor quite a scare before eventually falling short, 29-31, 25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 12-15, in a thrilling knockout quarterfinal Friday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

“Coach Koji (Tsuzurabara) reminded us how China is one of the top teams in the world. Just to be able to go five sets with them — that’s super unreal,” Petro Gazz winger Brooke Van Sickle said.

“I’m just really happy with everyone’s fight.”

Despite receiving the boot, the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference champions left the court with heads held high, drawing praise not only for their fighting spirit but also for their growth throughout the tournament.

The Angels gained valuable experience playing against the best clubs on the continent and built confidence heading into the PVL Reinforced Conference which will unfurl later this year.

Petro Gazz pushed the Chinese to the brink of an upset after taking a 2-1 match lead. The visiting club, however, found second wind in fourth set as momentum shifted in the decider.