PETRO Gazz exacted sweet revenge on its prelims tormentor Chery Tiggo, 20-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-16, to seize the early lead in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference Semifinals on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.
There was no stopping veteran ace Aiza Maizo-Pontillas as she collected 18 points on 15 attacks and three blocks to help the Angels take the solo lead in the single-round robin semifinals.
The Angels’ high-speed chase for their first Finals trip after a two-conference semis absence continues against sister teams Creamline (May 2) and Choco Mucho (May 5).
"I’m really proud of the team, everyone did a really good job. We stayed locked in for the most part. Chery Tiggo, very great team, we knew that it was gonna be a battle for sure," said Brooke Van Sickle, who fired a game-high 21 markers built on 18 attacks, two blocks and one ace.
"It’s the semis, so you don’t know what’s gonna happen. Every team wants to win so it’s close, right? Point by point. So it’s really about who wants it, how stuff could get lucky sometimes and we did a very good fight," she added.
Although the Crossovers went full throttle early with a quick first-set win, the Angels had much more left in the tank to hit the brakes on Chery Tiggo's seven-game unbeaten run — even after a 12-minute stoppage in the fourth set due to 'technical difficulties.'
Van Sickle also got much-needed scoring support from the returning MJ Phillips (16 points) in only her second game back for Petro Gazz, Jonah Sabete (13 points and 18 digs) and team captain Remy Palma (10 points).
Crossovers' leading scorer Eya Laure paced the team in the defeat with 15 markers, even after hurting her right hand following an accidental collision with teammate Shaya Adorador. Ara Galang also pitched in 10 points and seven digs.
The opening day of semis action ends with Petro Gazz (1-0) and Choco Mucho (1-0) taking the two Finals-bound places as Creamline (0-1) and Chery Tiggo (0-1) closely trail.
