‘This decision was made with careful consideration, as volleyball has always been at the core of Petro Gazz’s identity.’
BROOKE Van Sickle and Petro Gazz leave behind a lasting legacy as they take a leave of absence in the Premier Volleyball League.
Photograph courtesy of PVL
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Four-time champion Petro Gazz took a leave of absence from the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), the club announced on Saturday.
The reigning All-Filipino and Reinforced Conference champion Angels finally shed light on weeks of speculation about their withdrawal after a successful seven-year stint in the league.
“Petro Gazz announces its decision to take a leave of absence from the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), marking a pause in its competitive participation after seven successful years,” the franchise said in a statement.
PVL control committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo told Daily Tribune that the Petro Gazz management had already informed the league of its decision during the team owners’ meeting on Friday.
“They clarified their situation and decided to take an LoA (leave of absence),” said Malonzo, who added that the franchise, however, did not specify any intention of a comeback in the future.
Bannered by a crack crew led by three-time Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips and Myla Pablo, the red and white-clad Angels were a perennial contender. They were dominant last year following a breakthrough AFC crown and a third import-flavored championship.
Petro Gazz joined the PVL in 2018 and was able to climb the top podium the following year in the Reinforced Conference at the expense of no less than powerhouse Creamline.
But all good things came to an end just weeks before the 31 January kickoff of the year-opening 2026 AFC.
“This decision was made with careful consideration, as volleyball has always been at the core of Petro Gazz’s identity,” the club said.
“Over the years, the team built a legacy of excellence — winning four PVL championships, developing national team-caliber athletes, and establishing itself as one of the league’s pillars.”
The Angels were the second club to disband after the conclusion of the mid-season Reinforced Conference.
Chery Tiggo disbanded last December, and its players dispersed as free agents.
Weeks after the Crossovers permanent parking, talks of Petro Gazz hooking up with Nxled to form one team emerged.
The league rejected the proposal of an Angels-Chameleons merger to maintain parity but allowed a joint venture, provided that Petro Gazz release its players as free agents.
PVL president Ricky Palou, in an earlier interview with Daily Tribune, said Petro Gazz was leaning toward disbanding its team and sponsoring Nxled as part of their joint venture.
Despite disbanding its club team, Petro Gazz’s presence in the sport will remain, albeit behind the scenes. Aside from backing the Chameleons, the company will concentrate on supporting the grassroots level and providing help to other PVL clubs as well.
“During this period, Petro Gazz will focus on nurturing the next generation of volleyball talent,” Petro Gazz said.
“As part of this initiative, Petro Gazz supports the volleyball program of Nxled and other PVL teams by recommending its players, coaches, and staff, guided by its winning culture and core values.”
Petro Gazz players still under contract or have already expired deals are free to sign with other teams.
Malonzo said that 13 of the 16 Petro Gazz players already have lapsed contracts, while three remain under multi-year deals.
Petro Gazz promised to fulfill its contract obligations to those with active contracts until they reach a deal with other clubs.
Teams are now in a bidding war to acquire top Angels talents in Van Sickle, two-time MVP Pablo, two-time Finals MVP Phillips, prized rookie setter Jules Tolentino, and veteran winger Jonah Sabete.
Also up for grabs are the services of Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Djanel Cheng, Ranya Musa, Jellie Tempiatura, Nicole Tiamzon, Joy Dacoron and libero Bang Pineda.
Team captain Remy Palma and seasoned playmaker Chie Saet have joined Strong Group Athletics, the stable of Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee, while Blove Barbon signed with Galeries Tower.
In the end, Petro Gazz expressed gratitude to its fans and supporters who had been the fuel of the Angels drive for excellence.
“Petro Gazz extends its sincere gratitude to its loyal fans, whose unwavering support fueled the team’s pursuit of excellence,” the club’s statement read.
