Petro Gazz outplays Cignal, bags title

MANILA, Philippines — Petro Gazz snatched the PNVF Champions League title from previously undefeated Cignal with a stunning 25-19, 27-25, 25-22 sweep in the finale yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Filipino-American sensation Brooke Van Sickle played as good as advertised with 20 points on her way to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) plum as the Angels introduced their rejigged roster under the tutelage of Japanese head coach Koji Tsuzurabara with flying colors.

Second Best Open Hitter Jonah Sabete provided support with 18 points for Petro Gazz, which finished only third in the elimination round before exacting vengeance on Chery Tiggo first then Cignal in two straight days to rule the five-team PNVF tilt.

Second Best Middle Blocker Remy Palma and Kecelyn Galdones produced seven points apiece in the balanced attack of Tsuzurabara’s wards.

Petro Gazz needed only one hour and 41 minutes to annex the crown in surprising fashion.

It was a close battle throughout but the Angels’ 27-25 escape act in the extended second set highlighted by back-to-back hits of Sabete and Palma spelled the difference.

Not even a late fightback in the third set by the HD Spikers, led by Ces Molina, could not stop Petro Gazz’s coronation.

Earlier, Chery Tiggo also ushered in a new era with a podium finish after making short work of St. Benilde, 25-20, 25-13, 25-13, in the bronze medal match.