PETRO GAZZ ANGELS — FACEBOOK.COM/PREMIERVOLLEYBALLLEAGUE

Games on Thursday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. – Akari vs Petro Gazz
6:30 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Creamline

THERE ARE MANY WAYS Petro Gazz could get into the best-of-three Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino finals.

But expect the Angels to go through the fastest route, which is to hurdle the Akari Chargers in a duel set for Thursday that would also complete a three-game semifinal sweep at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Petro Gazz won its first two semis assignments at the expense of sister teams Creamline and Choco Mucho and another triumph at 4 p.m. over Akari would catapult the former straight to the finale on Tuesday at the Big Dome.

If it happens, the Angels would make a return finals trip since making it that far two years ago when they eventually lost to the eventual winners, the Cool Smashers.

Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara stressed it won’t be a walk in the park beating Akari, which split its two semis games.

“Akari is also a strong team and their coach, he’s Japanese too,” he said referring to Akari mentor Taka Minowa.

Interestingly, the Angels could afford to lose and still find their way in the championship round in several scenarios including one where they lose and Choco Mucho ends up upsetting Creamline at 6:30 p.m.

Or if Petro Gazz falls and Creamline prevails, which would forge a three-way tie for first.

In that case, the worst thing that can happen to the Angels is play a do-or-die for the second and last championship ticket.

“We just need to stay calm, keep grounded and try to stay patient again,” said Petro Gazz star Brooke Van Sickle, who had a 17-point effort last time that she garnished with 12 digs and 22 excellent receptions.

Meanwhile, Akari, Creamline and Choco Mucho are still battling for that last berth.

League rules state that a two-way tie for second will be decided via a rubber match set for Saturday at the PhilSports Arena while a three-way tie will be broken first FIVB tiebreaker, and then playoff.

There’s one possibility that sets up a three-way tie for second if Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho win.

That means the squad with the worst FIVB tiebreak will be eliminated outright with the better two teams clashing for the last seat to the finals bus. — Joey Villar