CHAMPIONSHIP hangover is real for Petro Gazz.
The Angels found themselves on the losing end of a four-set upset to Chinese Taipei’s Kaohsiung Taipower, 15-25, 16-25, 25-19, 20-25, in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League on Monday at the Philsports Arena.
Taipower has now clinched the first playoffs berth and the top seed in Pool B.
Just like the two other Philippine teams in Creamline and PLDT, Petro Gazz also had a slow start to its opening match of the tournament where it trailed by as much as 10 in the first set at 14-24.
The only difference was that the Angels were unable to buck a tough opening stretch and dug themselves an even deeper hole — a late nine-point deficit it failed to erase.
A late 6-2 blitz in the third frame spared Petro Gazz from a stunning sweep but was unable to complete its reverse-sweep bid after a late pullaway led by ace spiker Hsu Wan-Yun.
Hsu did the damage for the reigning Taiwan Enterprise Volleyball League runners-up with 18 points, 14 digs and nine receptions.
The Angels’ American reinforcement in Gia Day topped the scoresheets in her Philippine debut with 18 points, nine receptions and eight digs.
It was a strong first outing that proved to be the lone silver lining for the newly-crowned PVL champions as they became the only Philippine team not to win their tournament opener.
Reigning two-time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle pitched in 12 in a tough opening loss.
While not yet out of the woods, Petro Gazz will fight for survival in the tournament against Hong Kong champion Hip Hing for the last quarterfinals ticket on Tuesday, 7 p.m.
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