The battle for the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference (AFC) crown is far from over, as the Creamline bounced back from their Game 1 loss by showing their grit and championship hopes after the five-set victory over the Petro Gazz Angels in Game 2 of the finals held Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Bernadeth Pons and Pangs Panaga heaved the Cool smashers after outplaying Angels in a 25-15,16-25, 25-21,15-25,15-9 rout to have a winner-take-all Game 3 Finals.
Pons starred in the decisive fifth set after scoring five of Creamline’s first eight points to spark the Cool Smashers’ early momentum.
Cool Smashers Pons was relentless after chipping 22 points, built on 19 solid attacks, powering Creamline through intense rallies and crucial moments in the match.
Despite a late push by Petro Gazz, who managed to close the gap to 12-9 in the final frame, Creamline sealed the win with clutch plays from Panaga and Jema Galanza.
Galanza scored 13 points, while Panaga added 12 markers. With the assistance of setter Kyle Negrito also orchestrated the offense with 26 excellent sets and 5 points of her own provided a much needed support by Michelle Gumabao with 11 points.
Angels was led by import Brooke Van Sickle, who delivered an all-around performance with 18 points, 10 digs, and 14 excellent receptions. MJ Phillips and Jhona Sabete also made key contributions with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
The win forces a deciding Game 3 in the best-of-three finals series, scheduled on Saturday, April 12, where the winner takes it all.
Meanwhile, the bronze medal series between Choco Mucho and Akari will also go the distance after both teams earned one win apiece.
Creamline has won 10 titles in 13 Finals appearances, while Petro Gazz has two won championships in five Finals appearances.
