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| Petro Gazz celebrates during their win against Akari. Photo: PVL Images. |
The Petro Gazz Angels just proved why they’re still one of the toughest teams in the PVL, pulling off a dramatic 29-27, 25-22, 19-25, 17-25, 15-11 victory over the previously unbeaten Akari Chargers on Thursday night at the FilOil EcoOil Arena.
The Angels looked ready to sweep after taking the first two sets, but Akari being Akari, refused to go quietly. The Chargers rallied back with their signature grit, dominating the next two frames and forcing yet another five-set showdown. But when the game reached crunch time, Petro Gazz’s championship poise took center stage.
FINAL: Petro Gazz (3-1) hands Akari’s first loss (2-1) after surviving a five-setter, 29-27, 25-22, 19-25, 17-25, 15-11. #PVL2025 #PVLReinforced | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/SoSmn19JbH
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 23, 2025
Veteran spiker Myla Pablo came up clutch late in the fifth, delivering a steady hit and an ace that shifted momentum back to Petro Gazz. Then, import Lindsey Vander Weide went full beast mode, firing three straight kills to seal the win after nearly two and a half hours of intense volleyball.
Vander Weide led with 22 points and bagged Best Player of the Game honors, while Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, and Pablo added 19, 13, and 12, respectively. “We were locked in from the start, and we weren’t about to give it up,” Vander Weide said proudly after the match.
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| Petro Gazz's Myla Pablo. Photo: PVL Images. |
Despite Akari outscoring them in attacks (76-65), the Angels’ net defense and mental toughness made the difference, outblocking Akari 11-5 and keeping their cool when it mattered most.
Now at 3-1, Petro Gazz tightens its grip on a Top 3 Pool B spot, while Akari drops to 2-1 after seeing its winning streak snapped.
The message was clear: when the game’s on the line, the Angels know how to fly higher.