Petro Gazz penned a perfect ending to a three-year journey to redemption with a spirited comeback from a set down to humble a young but feisty ZUS Coffee side, 21-25, 28-26, 25-23, 25-20, and claim the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference throne Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Banking on their championship experience and grizzled veterans led by returning American reinforcement Lindsey Vander Weide, Brooke Van Sickle and Myla Pablo, the Angels soared high for their third crown overall in the import-flavored tournament.

Petro Gazz bucked a slow start, survived a tightly contested second set that turned the tables around.

“We started off a little slow, but we battled in the second. A couple of times there, where I think we had a little doubt, but the girls just kept focused, stayed together, kept their unity,” Angels head coach Gary Van Sickle said.

“We just chipped away at it. Once we kind of got the lead, I think they started feeling the pressure and it made it easier for us.”

Vander Weide finished with 23 points, 21 coming off attacks, and got nine excellent receptions for Petro Gazz.

“Twice is always a little nicer, for sure. Just the fact that I got to do with Petro Gazz again is awesome, and just so many of the same girls are awesome. This team has so much grit and it really just shows itself as the best,” said Vander Weide, who won her second title with the squad after powering the Angels to the top in the 2022 edition.  

Van Sickle, who was later named Conference Most Valuable Player (MVP) added 20 markers, all from attacks, while Final MVP Phillips scored 17.

Pablo had 14 points, including the game-winning kill, while rookie Jules Tolentino tallied 20 excellent sets for the Angels.

Petro Gazz finished a fruitful season by winning a breakthrough All-Filipino Conference title early this year before capping the year once again on top.

The Thunderbelles, who only lost twice in the conference, failed to sustain their hot start in their first-ever championship appearance.

American Anna De Beer, who was named Best Foreign Guest Player, and Rookie of the Conference AC Miner had 18 and 16 points, respectively, for ZUS Coffee. Thea Gagate finished with 11 points.