The Petro Gazz Angels hold off the Akari Chargers in a five-set thriller to advance to the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference Finals.
After falling short on their title defense last year, the Petro Gazz Angels will make a return to the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference Finals after outlasting the Akari Chargers in their semifinal encounter, 25-19, 25-17, 15-25, 22-25, 15-13, on Thursday, November 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
This will be the Angels’ seventh Finals appearance and third in the Reinforced Conference.
After seeing their two-set lead disappear, Petro Gazz had to fight tooth and nail against a surging Akari squad, looking to complete the reverse sweep.
In a tight winner-take-all fifth set, which saw 12 deadlocks and six lead changes, the Angels reached match point at 14-12 after a crucial attack error by Fifi Sharma.
Lindsey Vander Weide’s serve just went over the line, leaving the door open for Akari. However, in the following play, Grethcel Soltones’ attack sailed wide, sealing Petro Gazz’s Finals berth.
The Chargers committed seven errors in the fifth set alone.
Brooke Van Sickle finished with a triple-double of 23 points, 13 excellent digs, 18 excellent receptions.
Petro Gazz will now await the other semifinal winner between the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles and PLDT High Speed Hitters.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.