Angels fend off Foxies

MANILA, Philippines — Petro Gazz, led by a herculean effort by Fil-Am Brooke Van Sickle, overpowered an upset-conscious Farm Fresh, 25-21, 27-25, 25-19, yesterday to boost its semifinal bid in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

The 25-year-old Hawaii-born, Washington-based spiker pounded a match-best 26 points, 20 coming off attacks and three each on blocks and rocket-like service aces, as the Angels claimed their third straight win and fourth overall in five outings that kept them well perched inside the magic four.

Petro Gazz’s Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara later praised the Foxies for putting up a fight while showing discontent at their own play.

“Today (yesterday), I appreciated Farm Fresh, thank you so much, it was a good game,” said Tsuzurabara. “Today’s game, not good, lack of judgment, not a good performance.”

After a sloppy opening set when the Angels barely prevailed, the former Reinforcement Conference titlists got into trouble again in the next when it trailed by three, 24-21.

But Van Sickle took charge and helped Petro Gazz battle back from four set points to steal the set.

The Angels learned their lesson from there and didn’t let any stone unturned in the third in finishing off the Foxies, who sputtered to a third defeat against two wins.

Jonah Sabete provided ample support by chipping in 11 hits.

“Tinanong niya ako if I can, inako ko na sabi ko ‘I can,’” said Sabete referring to Tsuzurabara’ challenge.