Fueled by Cignal’s shocking loss, the Petro Gazz Angels stayed focused and disciplined to sweep the Capital1 Solar Spikers and secure a 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino quarterfinals berth.
For Petro Gazz, Cignal’s shocking early defeat in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference qualifying round served as a wake-up call.
Determined not to fall into the same trap, the Angels made sure to take care of business against Capital1, sweeping them 25-19, 25-23, 25-21, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Saturday to secure a quarterfinals berth.
Petro Gazz head coach Koji Tsuzurabara admitted that the HD Spikers’ defeat made his team more cautious heading into their own qualifying round matchup.
"Two days ago, Cignal versus Galeries. Cignal lost, so we were very worried. We had a meeting before the game. They are not perfect players, not a perfect team. You want to win, but the opponent team also wants to win," Tsuzurabara explained during the post-game press conference.
Recognizing that upsets were possible, the Japanese tactician emphasized the importance of mental preparation and discipline—both of which paid off in Petro Gazz’s clinical performance.
Reigning PVL All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle echoed the sentiment, describing the HD Spikers' defeat as a stark reminder that no team is invincible.
"That game was awesome to watch. Both teams came fighting. I thought Galeries had excellent defense. They were able to transition the ball very well that game. Congrats to them for winning," she said.
But more than anything, Van Sickle saw it as a reality check for Petro Gazz, despite not being directly involved. She finished the match with a game-high 19 points, 14 excellent receptions, and nine excellent digs.
"In a way, it was a wake-up call. It was a reminder that it's anyone's game. It’s the tournament now. It's top six, bottom six, whatever the tournament is. Now, again, like how I said, it's a do-or-die situation. We have to take every point seriously and every team seriously," Van Sickle stressed.
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Veteran spiker Myla Pablo also made sure Petro Gazz entered their match with the right mindset, warning that past wins and a high seeding meant nothing if they faltered at this crucial stage.
Pablo finished as the Player of the Game with 17 points on 15 attacks, one block, and one service ace.
"This game, hindi ka pwedeng mag-relax kasi wala ring kwenta ‘yung winning games mo and kung nasa top-2 ka kung matatalo ka sa qualifying round," Pablo pointed out.
"Sabi nga namin, hindi tayo pwedeng mag-start ng slow. Kailangan talaga tayo mag-start nang may energy sa loob ng court. Naga-adjust lang siguro kami nung first two sets, medyo nawawala nga. Buti na lang andyan ‘yung coaches namin na ginaguide kami," she added.
Now heading into the quarterfinals, the Angels will await the winner of Pool B, who will take the no. 7 seed.