Petro Gazz’s Brooke Van Sickle during a PVL game against Farm Fresh in Candon, Ilocos Sur.–PVL PHOTO

CANDON, ILOCOS SUR—Petro Gazz was very well aware of how underdog teams like Farm Fresh love to frustrate stronger opponents with their defense.

So the Angels let their offense take care of business, leaning on a balanced attack to turn back the Foxies, 25-21, 25-17, 25-19, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference here on Saturday.

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“Farm Fresh knows how to play defense,” said Filipino American Brooke Van Sickle, who led Petro Gazz with 20 points. “We just had to stay patient. They’re going to dig balls, and we needed to stay calm and levelheaded.”

“We just focused on limiting errors and staying locked in as the game went on,” added Van Sickle, who also had four excellent digs.

The Angels used their edge in experience to weather the Foxies’ spirited challenges, especially during tight stretches in the first and third sets. After Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu closed the gap to 20-17 in the opening frame, Van Sickle’s back-to-back hits and a Farm Fresh miscue gave Petro Gazz breathing room.

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Determined start

Farm Fresh saved three set points but there was no denying the Angels there. In the second set, Petro Gazz surged to an early 13-6 lead and maintained a comfortable cushion, thanks to Remy Palma’s crafty tip and timely contributions from Myla Pablo and Chie Saet.

Although Farm Fresh clawed back to within four points, Van Sickle and the Angels’ firepower proved too much, closing out the set emphatically.

The third frame saw another determined start from Farm Fresh, who stayed within 12-10. But Petro Gazz responded with an 8-3 run, effectively breaking the game open.

A series of late-match adjustments by coach Koji Tsuzurabara helped unleash the offensive brilliance of Van Sickle, who enjoyed a homecoming of sorts during the out-of-town match.

“It’s amazing to have this experience and play here,” she said. “I wanted to visit San Emilio, my grandfather’s hometown, which is nearby. I’m very grateful for this experience.”

Pablo added 11 points, while Aiza Pontillas contributed 10, the last wrapping up the one-hour, 37-minute victory.

Tubu led Farm Fresh with 14 points, while Maicah Larroza, Rizza Cruz and Aprylle Tagsip chipped nine, seven and five points, respectively, for the Foxies, who dropped to 0-2.