BY ABBY TORALBA
BROOKE Van Sickle sizzled with 36 points to propel Petro Gazz to a thrilling 22-25, 25-12, 25-18, 27-29, 15-12 victory over Chery Tiggo last night in Game 1 of their best-of-3 battle for bronze in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jonah Sabete contributed 21 markers, leading the Angels’ relentless offensive onslaught. However, it was MJ Phillips who stepped up with crucial plays early in the fifth set, providing the team with the cushion and momentum needed to secure the win.
Phillips’ timely blocks and quick hits helped the Angels seize an 8-4 lead in the decider. Despite the Crossovers’ gritty stand, rallying to level the score at 12, the Angels remained resilient, clinching victory by winning the last three crucial points.
Van Sickle broke the last deadlock with a crosscourt kill for her 36th point, and Phillips capitalized on Jen Nierva’s overpass as the Angels reached another match point with a decisive put-away. Kecelyn Galdones then redeemed herself from a couple of mishits with an ace off Eya Laure, sealing the scary two-hour, 21-minute triumph for the Angels.
Petro Gazz goes for the clincher on Sunday.
Creamline and Choco Mucho were battling in Game 1 of the finals at press time.
Phillips ended up with 15 markers, Djanel Cheng added eight points on top of 22 excellent sets, and Aiza Pontillas and Remy Palma added six points apiece for the Angels.
