HIGHLIGHTS: Creamline vs Petro Gazz – PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals, Game 1

MANILA, Philippines – Two familiar foes collide in the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference finals as the Creamline Cool Smashers defend their crown against longtime rival Petro Gazz Angels starting this Sunday, March 26, 6:30 pm, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Petro Gazz Angels’ Oliver Almadro, Grethcel Soltones, and Jonah Sabete reflect on claiming Game 1 of the best of three 2023 PVL All-Filipino Championship series vs Creamline. #PVL2023 | via @philipptionary pic.twitter.com/bR5ZdS5RxP
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

LOOK: Creamline’s Jia de Guzman was flagged for the net touch by Petro Gazz head coach Oliver Almadro.

It was confirmed by the video challenge system and gave the match point to the Angels, 25-22, 24-26, 25-23, 26-24.

Photo courtesy of the PVL#PVL2023 pic.twitter.com/nw9SSzhkP0
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

PVL | STATS:

Petro Gazz takes Game 1 of the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference finals series vs Creamline#PVL2023 pic.twitter.com/d0RQZZVh7T
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

WATCH: Petro Gazz coach Oliver Almadro was adamant that the match point, which was won from a challenge, was indeed a net touch. #PVL2023 | via @philipptionary pic.twitter.com/bbszCcmizX
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

PVL | FINAL:

Petro Gazz ends 14-game skid against Creamline with a 25-22, 24-26, 25-23, 26-24 win to take Game 1 of the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals!#PVL2023
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

PVL | SET 4:

Galanza ties the game at 24-all!#PVL2023
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

PVL | SET 4:

Sabete's cross-court kill has given Petro Gazz a 16-13 lead over Creamline as we go to the second TTO!#PVL2023
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

PVL | SET 4:

Phillips' quick helps establish an 8-4 lead for Petro Gazz over Creamline as we reach the first TTO. #PVL2023
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

PVL | END OF SET 3:

Petro Gazz overtakes Creamline for the 2-1 set lead, 25-23!#PVL2023
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/status/1639969227137511425

PVL | END OF SET 2:

Creamline ties the game at 1-all against Petro Gazz, 26-24!#PVL2023
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

PVL | SET 2:

Petro Gazz with a slim 16-15 lead over Creamline.#PVL2023
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

PVL | END OF SET 1:

Petro Gazz draws first blood against Creamline, 25-22.#PVL2023
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

PVL | SET 1:

Creamline ties the contest against Petro Gazz at 7-all!#PVL2023
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

WATCH: F2 Logistics management supportive of Baron and Tolenada’s possible move to Korea. #PVL2023 | via @philipptionary pic.twitter.com/CjlHvYh70m
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

PVL | STATS:

F2 Logistics go up 1-0 against PLDT in the battle for third#PVL2023 pic.twitter.com/wET9JmOLV9
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 26, 2023

Winners of three of the last four All-Filipino titles, the Cool Smashers are still entering foreign territory in this year’s finals as they come to terms with the reality that superstar Alyssa Valdez will likely not be ready to play after undergoing an unspecified procedure on her ailing right knee.

Still, Creamline is a deeply talented group that seamlessly transitioned to a new outside-opposite lead duo of Tots Carlos and Michele Gumabao, while runaway Best Setter candidate Jia de Guzman and Jema Galanza provide more than ample support.

At the other end of the bracket is the veteran core of Petro Gazz, with the likes of Grethcel Soltones, Remy Palma, and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas looking to win their second straight title after ruling the 2022 Reinforced Conference.

The Angels, however, have not won with an all-local group after two finals appearances, both against the Cool Smashers. Will the third time be the charm?