Now that's what you call a finals game!
The Petro Gazz Angels exchanged punches with Creamline Cool Smashers and came out with the finishing blows, 25-22, 24-26, 25-23, 26-24, to take the advantage in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals.
Petro Gazz had the upper hand in the deciding set, 24-21, before the defending champions forced a deuce behind three consecutive kills from Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza. The pink crowd at the MOA Arena exploded in delight as the momentum shifted to the Cool Smashers.
MJ Phillips killed the Creamline momentum with a spike from Djanel Cheng's back set, 25-24. In the ensuing sequence, Petro Gazz coach Oliver Almadro called for a challenged, and the cameras caught Jia Morado's arm grazing the net for a net touch violation. The anti-climactic call ended the highly emotional game, as Coach O runs across the court in delight.
The game marked Creamline's second loss in the conference. It also broke Petro Gazz's 14-game losing skid against the girls in pink since 2019.
Hitter Joan Sabete was hailed Player of the Game with 18 points from 16 attacks and 2 blocks, also tallying 16 receptions.
"Ilalaban namin kahit nagka-cramps na kami or what, didikdikin pa rin namin sarili namin para makuha itong championship na 'to," Sabete said.
The Angels will have the chance to dethrone Creamline on Tuesday in Game 2 of the finals.