MANILA – Petro Gazz Angels advanced to the PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference Finals with a 25-22, 25-20, 25-18 sweep of Akari Power Chargers in the single-round robin semifinals on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Myla Pablo led the way with 16 points off 11 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, earning Player of the Game honors as the Angels capped the semifinals with a perfect 3-0 record.
“Sobrang happy kasi nakabalik na kami sa PVL Finals,” Pablo stressed in a post-game interview. “Nung past two conference talaga medyo nawala kami pero hindi pa tapos ang laban.”
“Lahat kami gumawa sa loob ng court. ‘Yung mga defense namin, ‘yung blockings namin gumana in this game,” she added. “Medyo makakapagpahinga kami ng konti then balik na kami sa preparation sa Finals.”
Brooke Van Sickle contributed 15 points, including 14 attacks, along with nine excellent digs, helping the Angels return to the All-Filipino Conference Finals after a two-year absence.
“Inaalay rin namin kay Brooke itong pagpasok namin sa championship round, kasi the past two conferences siya lang ang bumubuhat sa opensa. But this conference, natulungan na namin siya,” Pablo remarked.
After a closely contested first two sets, the Angels relied on their extensive experience in the third set to pull away early from the Power Chargers and secure their place in the best-of-three title series.
Gretchel Soltones was the lone bright spot for the Power Chargers with 14 points, all coming from attacks, to go with five excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers showed no mercy for sister team Choco Mucho Flying Titans with a 25-19, 25-15, 25-15 sweep to set up a championship showdown with the Angels.
Kyle Negrito finished with 17 excellent sets to go with three points to be named Player of the Game as the Cool Smashers clinched their seventh consecutive PVL finals appearance./PN
