LIST: PVL Finals series that went the distance with a winner-take-all Game 3

The 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals will be heading into a Game 3 decider between the Creamline Cool Smashers and Petro Gazz Angels, joining a short but memorable list of PVL championship series that went the distance.

Here’s a look at the PVL Finals matchups that were pushed to a winner-take-all Game 3:

1. 2021 PVL Open Conference: Chery Tiggo vs Creamline

Creamline struck first with a nail-biting five-set win in Game 1, but the Chery Tiggo Crossovers bounced back with a dominant Game 2 victory. In the series decider, the Jaja Santiago-led Chery Tiggo clinched the championship in another five-set thriller, marking their first PVL title.

2. 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference: Creamline vs Petro Gazz

Petro Gazz shocked Creamline in the opening match with a four-set triumph. But the Cool Smashers rallied, escaping with a five-set win in Game 2 against the Angels before sealing the deal with a composed four-set victory in Game 3 to retain their crown.

3. 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference: Creamline vs Petro Gazz

With the series tied at 1-1, all roads lead to the Philsports Arena in Pasig for a winner-take-all Game 3.

Will Creamline defend its title and secure the five-peat, or will Petro Gazz exact revenge for the 2023 heartbreak?

[ALSO READ: Why is winner-take-all Game 3 at PhilSports Arena? PVL explains Finals venue decision]

Honorable Mention: 2019 PVL Reinforced Conference

While the league had yet to turn pro in 2019, the PVL Open Conference Finals that year had also stretched to three games.

Creamline won the opener, but Petro Gazz--powered by the late-Janisa Johnson and Wilma Salas--rallied to win the next two and claim the championship.

[ALSO READ: A look back: The four other times Creamline and Petro Gazz clashed for the PVL crown]

As history shows, Game 3s in the PVL are always unforgettable — and Saturday’s finale promises to be no different.