By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Winning the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference was like a great full-circle moment for the Petro Gazz Angels as they weathered a rocky start before rediscovering their offensive rhythm to win the ultimate prize.
On the brink of an early exit in the preliminaries, the Angels clawed their way back into contention with victories in their final two match to secure the fifth seeding heading into the knockout quarterfinals.
That momentum carried them to the Promised Land once again as they dethroned Creamline in the quarters and outlasted Akari to earn a spot in the finals — a stage they last reached in 2022.
Eager to return to familiar territory, Petro Gazz mustered all its strength to overcome a young and gritty ZUS Coffee squad. With Brooke Van Sickle, Lindsey Vander Weide, and MJ Phillips leading the charge, the Angels reclaimed their old glory — a trophy they previously won in 2019 and 2022.
“It’s just amazing,” said Van Sickle, who was later adjudged the Conference Most Valuable Player. “We had a rocky start, but we were able to come collectively together, staying locked in and focusing when it matters.”
“It just goes to show that it doesn’t matter how you start in the season, but how you finish. Everyone just came in clutch moments throughout the season,” she added.
Vander Weide and MJ Phillips agreed, adding that the team’s growth, maturity, and improved chemistry were crucial in rising above the challenge.
“We had such a weird start and middle, but pulling this off shows our grit. We knew we had it all along,” said Vander Weide, who savored her second title with the team.
“We just came together and told ourselves we gotta do this,” added Phillips, who later on captured the Finals MVP.
More than sharing the trophy with her teammates, Van Sickle said she cherished being able to celebrate it with her parents, head coach Gary, and assistant coach Lisa.
Gary expressed his gratitude to the management for the opportunity.
“We always watch Petro Gazz games. Sometimes, we were up at 3 in the morning watching her (Brooke),” said Gary.
“We felt a connection with this team, so when the opportunity came, we didn’t hesitate,” he added.
A dynasty may be taking shape, but for now, the Angels are going to savor what they have built.
