Fresh off their Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference title, Petro Gazz Angels are shifting focus to the 2025 AVC Women’s Club Championship. Drawn into Pool B, they’re set to battle against nine-time Top Volleyball League champions Taipower and Hong Kong’s rising squad Hip Hing.
Though they have a first-day bye, the Angels are preparing for tough competition. Head coach Koji Tsuzurabara, who previously led Chinese Taipei’s national team, brings unique insight against Taipower.
“We’re in a tough group,” said Tsuzurabara. “One Hong Kong team, and another one under Chinese Taipei, Taipower. Taipower players were some of my players before. I am happy for them. Their coach, she was my player before too. I am very truly happy.”
Leading Petro Gazz are MVPs Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips, considered imports due to pending federation switches. They’re joined by 6-foot-2 American hitter Gia Day.
“This is my first time with international play. So, I’m just excited to, like, see good volleyball and just be able to see, you know, how other countries play the sport and to learn from them and grow and just to see, like, intensity,” said Van Sickle. “So, I’m super stoked.”
Veterans Myla Pablo, Jonah Sabete, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, and captain Remy Palma bolster the roster, with setters Djanel Cheng and Chie Saet orchestrating plays. Liberos Baby Love Barbon and Jellie Tempiatura secure the floor defense.
Petro Gazz’s ultimate goal: claim one of two tickets to the 2025 FIVB Club World Championships. But unity is also a priority for Van Sickle.
“I wish the best for PLDT and Creamline also because at the end of the day, we’re representing the Philippines. So, I want Philippine teams to win,” she said. “So, I’m going to be there cheering. Yeah, I want one of us to win. So, I’m very excited to watch.”
The Angels begin their campaign Monday at 4 p.m. against Taipower, then face Hip Hing Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Philsports Arena.