Petro Gazz Remains Undefeated with Van Sickle’s 27-Point Effort Against Zus Coffee

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Petro Gazz continued to prove itself as one of the top teams in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

The Angels secured a hard-fought victory over a resilient Zus Coffee team, winning 25-20, 24-26, 28-26, 25-22 in the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.

With this win, Petro Gazz extended its streak to six consecutive victories, claiming the top spot with 20 points and a 7-1 win-loss record, surpassing the idle Creamline (7-0) which holds second place with 19 points.

Star spikers Brooke Van Sickle and Myla Pablo were instrumental in the win, contributing 27 and 22 points, respectively, to lead the team’s offensive charge.

Pablo recognized the importance of their performance, acknowledging that if she and Van Sickle didn't step up, Zus Coffee could have completed the upset.

"Siyempre, kung ano 'yung sinasabi sa 'min ng mga coaches namin—kumbaga work. Kailangan gumawa ka sa loob ng court, especially Brooke and me," said Pablo, who contributed 19 attacks, marking a career-high 22-point performance in the conference so far.

"Kailangan talaga is maging consistent kami na mga open [hitter] na binibigay talaga namin best namin na maipanalo itong game na ito," she added.

Van Sickle, the reigning All-Filipino MVP, delivered 25 attacks and contributed defensively with 15 excellent digs and five excellent receptions.

Although the Thunderbelles showed resilience, stealing one set and pushing the third set to a close finish, they ultimately fell to the relentless Petro Gazz team.

Kate Santiago led the Thunderbelles with 21 points, while Chai Troncoso added 19 points.

Tied at one set apiece, Zus Coffee nearly took the third set, leading 24-23, but Van Sickle's sharp attack saved them from set point and extended the set. After a series of long rallies, the Angels clinched the set, 28-26, with back-to-back kills from Pablo, securing a 2-1 advantage.

In Set 4, despite trailing 13-16, the Thunderbelles fought back to level the score at 16-all, thanks to two attacks and a block from Santiago and Troncoso.

Petro Gazz capitalized on a series of errors from the Thunderbelles, including Sharya Ancheta's service error, attack mistakes from Thea Gagate and Troncoso, and a kill by MJ Phillips, to extend their lead to 20-16. This four-point cushion proved difficult for Zus Coffee to overcome, as they struggled to close the gap.

Troncoso kept Zus Coffee's hopes alive by saving a match point at 24-21 with a fortunate attack, but Van Sickle sealed the victory for Petro Gazz, delivering the final blow with her 27th point.

Petro Gazz will face Capital1 next on Tuesday, February 11, at the same Pasig venue, while Zus Coffee looks to recover against Cignal on Thursday, February 13, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Credits By Kennedy Caacbay