Petro Gazz Ends Creamline’s Historic Podium Streak, Books PVL Semis Spot
Petro Gazz Angels delivered one of the biggest shockers of the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, eliminating long-time rival Creamline Cool Smashers in four sets, 25-23, 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, to advance to the semifinals on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Angels’ victory did more than just secure a Final Four berth — it handed Creamline its worst finish in franchise history, marking the first time the Cool Smashers have missed the podium since joining the league in 2017. The loss ends an extraordinary streak of 19 straight top-three finishes and officially dethrones the reigning Reinforced Conference champions.
Petro Gazz Overcomes Early Setback, Rallies Behind Pablo and Van Sickle
What made the win even more remarkable was how Petro Gazz pulled through despite losing import Lindsey Vander Weide early in the opening set. The American hitter suffered a right ankle sprain after landing on Ranya Musa’s foot during a block attempt at 6-all and had to be taken to the dugout in a wheelchair.
Instead of folding, the Angels rose to the moment, leaning on a vintage performance from Myla Pablo and a steady all-around outing from Brooke Van Sickle.
Pablo, a former league MVP, unleashed her best performance of the season, firing 26 points on 23 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. She also contributed seven digs and seven receptions, including a personal three-point scoring burst in Set 2 that helped Petro Gazz take control with a 2-0 lead.
Van Sickle backed her up with 19 points, adding 12 digs and 10 receptions in a strong two-way effort that helped stabilize the team while Vander Weide was out.
Angels Dominate Late, Cool Smashers Run Out of Answers
Creamline briefly stayed alive by taking Set 3, but Petro Gazz closed the door emphatically in the fourth.
With Vander Weide returning to the floor to provide much-needed support, the Angels turned a slim 7-6 Creamline lead into a commanding advantage with a blistering 10-1 run, topped by a Pablo service ace. The surge dismantled the Cool Smashers’ momentum and set the tone for the rest of the match.
MJ Phillips chipped in 10 markers, while Vander Weide — despite her injury — still finished with six points.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
Stat Highlights
- Attacks: Petro Gazz 56 – Creamline 47
- Blocks: Petro Gazz 7 – Creamline 9
- Aces: Petro Gazz 6 – Creamline 3
Creamline Bows Out, Petro Gazz Marches to the Final Four
On the other side, Creamline struggled to keep up and could not recover from Petro Gazz’s fourth-set onslaught. Courtney Schwan led the Cool Smashers with 17 points and nine digs, while Jeanette Panaga (14) and Tots Carlos (13) tried to carry the load but fell short against the Angels’ relentless attack.
The win not only sends Petro Gazz back to the semifinals, but also serves as redemption after Creamline eliminated them in last year’s quarterfinals.
The Angels will now face Akari in the semifinals on Thursday at the same venue, with momentum firmly on their side.
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