Myla Pablo Erupts as Petro Gazz Stuns Creamline, Books a Semis Ticket

on
by Cristian Andal

The Petro Gazz Angels
The Petro Gazz Angels. Photo: PVL Images.

Petro Gazz walked into the Araneta Coliseum expecting a war, but what they didn’t expect was to lose their import just minutes into the match. What followed, however, was the kind of gritty, collective surge that shows exactly why championship DNA isn’t measured by names on paper; it’s proven in the toughest moments on the floor.

The Angels punched their way into the PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals on Monday after outlasting archrival Creamline, 25-23, 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, in a drama-filled quarterfinal showdown that swung wildly from crisis to control.

Lindsey Vander Weide’s early exit, a freak landing that sent her straight to the bench, could’ve easily buried Petro Gazz’s rhythm. Creamline is notorious for turning breaks like that into tidal waves. For years, the Cool Smashers have feasted on Petro Gazz miscues in big games.

But this time, the Angels hardened up.

Instead of collapsing, Petro Gazz leaned on its veterans, steadied the court, and played like a team refusing to let history repeat itself. The first two sets showcased that resilience: a mix of sharp serving, patient floor defense, and a commitment to playing mistake-free volleyball.

Petro Gazz import Lindsey Vander Weide was wheelchaired after an injury early in the game
Petro Gazz import Lindsey Vander Weide was wheelchaired after an injury early in the game. Photo: PVL Images.

Then came the turning point: Myla Pablo put the cape on.

Once Vander Weide went down, Pablo transformed from a steady contributor into the centerpiece of the Angels’ attack. The former MVP uncorked 26 huge points, powering through Creamline’s blocks, torching the corners, and lifting her team emotionally every time momentum felt shaky. It was a throwback performance, a reminder that “Typhoon Pablo” still hits with force when needed most.

Coach Gary Van Sickle praised the team’s depth afterward, pointing out how the bench kept itself ready for moments exactly like this. And they delivered: Brooke Van Sickle (19 points, strong two-way play), MJ Phillips, Jonah Sabete, and the returning Vander Weide all chipped in enough to steady the rotations.

Rookie setter Jules Tolentino was another bright spot. Outplaying a decorated veteran in Kyle Negrito, Tolentino’s 18 excellent sets held Petro Gazz together through every momentum swing.

Creamline had plenty of firepower, Coco Schwan, Pangs Panaga, Tots Carlos, Michele Gumabao, and Alyssa Valdez, but the Cool Smashers never fully cashed in on Vander Weide’s absence. Dropping the first two sets proved costly, especially once Pablo and Van Sickle found their rhythm.

Petro Gazz's Myla Pablo
Petro Gazz's Myla Pablo. Photo: PVL Images.

The win narrows Creamline’s all-time edge over Petro Gazz, but more importantly, it resets the narrative. The Angels didn’t just survive adversity; they owned it.

Next up: a semifinal showdown with red-hot Akari. And if this performance is any indication, Petro Gazz is rolling into the next round with swagger, battle scars, and a star reborn at the center of it all.