AFTER what has been a disastrous start to its PVL Reinforced Conference, Petro Gazz has been looking for something drastic to turn their season around.
And facing an old rival in powerhouse Creamline might just be what the doctor orderd for the Angels.
Relageted to the bottom three of their group entering round two of the tournament, the Angels responded with their biggest win yet as they shut down the Cool Smashers in a five-set thriller last Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
For former reigning PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle, there's just something about the Cool Smashers that brings out the best in them.
“Creamline’s a very good team and we knew coming in that they’re gonna push us no matter what, they don’t give up. It’s just like a dogfight with them and it’s so exhausting but they’re all good players,” Van Sickle said.
“I’m really proud of our team stepping up, especially even our rookie at the end coming in when it was really close and being able to put two tough serves. It was amazing. Just the level of play is much better.”
There's a certain level of expectation for the Angels as they have ruled the Reinforced Conference more than any other team. They won both of their championships in import-laden tournaments with Wilma Salas (2019) and Lindsey Vander Weide (2022).
This year, however, has been a different story for them.
Plagued with illnesses and injuries, the Angels were one loss shy of matching the team’s longest losing streak at four up until Myla Pablo, who now comes off the bench, rose to the occasion and saved their dwindling playoff hopes in a win over Choco Mucho.
Van Sickle shared how pressure truly played a role in that horror stretch for the Angels.
“There definitely is pressure, it’s like a fight or flight like our backs are against the wall because of our performance we had in the past. Anything can happen,” the PVL MVP said.
Knowing how unforeseen situations like this, her injury to start the season for example, can shape up a team's campaign, Van Sickle couldn't be any prouder for how the team continues to hold the fort.
Salas has been spectacular as usual, and players like Pablo has given them a huge lift.
And as they navigate the tricky situation they're put in -having to play catch-up from the just to land a playoff spot — Van Sickle is keeping the fate.
“Coming into this pool play, we have to go against three tough teams and to be able to secure a win on our first game is very huge for us,”
“We just take it day-by-day and there’s still more games and much more chances so it was just the fact that it wasn’t our best performance in the pool play but knowing that we can come in and still have a chance, we’re okay.”
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