Amazing Angels

Petro Gazz ended three long years of waiting for a crack at reclaiming the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference crown.

Brooke Van Sickle and hurting American import Lindsey Vander Weide carried the Angels to a hard-earned, 25-19, 25-17, 15-25, 22-25, 15-13, triumph over Akari in the knockout semifinal on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The breaks of the game favored Petro Gazz in the endgame of the tightly-contested fifth set that saw 11 deadlocks.

Vander Weide shattered a 12-12 count before the Chargers committed an attack error that pushed the Angels to match point.

Vander Weide overcooked her serve, giving Akari a chance to close in for a deuce but Gretchel Soltones committed the Chargers’ last of 28 errors with a spike that sailed out. Akari tried to challenge for a block touch but was unsuccessful after the review.

Petro Gazz, who started the season by ruling the All-Filipino Conference, will battle the survivor of the other semis pairing between PLDT and ZUS Coffee, still being disputed as of press time, in the winner-take-all final on Sunday at the same venue.

“It’s just very surreal. We have a lot of ups and downs at the beginning of the season. To be here now and then entering the finals is amazing for the team. I’m just very proud of everyone stepping up, especially through injury with Lindsey,” Van Sickle said.

The two-time Most Valuable Player submitted a triple-double of 23 points built on 20 kills and three kill blocks with 13 digs and 18 excellent receptions for the Angels, who are looking for a third import-flavored crown.

Vander Weide, who tweaked her ankle in a quarterfinal win over dethroned Creamline, scored 16, Myla Pablo added 14 points and MJ Phillips finished with 13 markers for Petro Gazz. Julyana Tolentino tossed 27 excellent sets to help the Angels rain down 63 attack points.

The Angels got second wind in the fourth set after trailing by as many as five and gave the Chargers a scare in the closing stretch when they erased an 18-21 deficit with four straight points led by Van Sickle and Vander Weide to take the helm.

Akari answered with a closing 4-0 rally to force a decider.

Petro Gazz was on point in the first two sets, taking advantage of the Chargers’ spotty floor defense and costly miscues to take control of the match.