Brooke Van Sickle and Wilma Salas joined forces to power the Petro Gazz Angels past the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Thursday, July 18.
Petro Gazz kicked off its title defense with a 25-16, 25-21, 25-21 win over ZUS Coffee in the PVL Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday, July 18.
The Angels had to play catch-up in the second set before fending off a challenge in the third from the pesky Thunderbelles, who were without No. 1 pick Thea Gagate.
Brooke Van Sickle led the way for the Angels with 22 points built on 18 attacks, one block and three aces she topped with 11 digs.
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Poised to complete a sweep after checking its slow 1-6 start in the second set, Petro Gazz raced to an 18-8 lead in the third behind returning import Wilma Salas and recent All-Filipino Conference Most Valuable Player Van Sickle.
Japanese import Asaka Tamaru stepped up for Zus Coffee from there, anchoring a 7-0 tear for the Thunderbelles to close in at 15-18.
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But veterans Jonah Sabete and Chie Saet provided the necessary stability in the late stages for Petro Gazz before Van Sickle shoved the squad to match point on a crosscourt hit, 24-18.
A pair of errors from the Angels at the finish gave hope anew to the Thunderbelles, 21-24. Saet, however, quickly doused it with a deft tip to secure the victory for the two-time defending champion.
Salas backed Van Sickle with 15 points while Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Remy Palma combined for 13 for Petro Gazz.
Zus Coffee drew 17 points, eight excellent receptions and five digs from Tamaru. Michelle Gamit and Jade Gentapa each had seven points for the Thunderbelles.