Petro Gazz, Cignal sweep foes in PNVF Champions League opener

Petro Gazz and Cignal dispatched their respective foes to kick off their campaign in the 2024 Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The new-look Angels made quick work of the Philippine Army, 25-11, 25-19, 25-19, as Filipino-American sensation Brooke Van Sickle immediately announced her arrival as she dazzled from all departments. 

Van Sickle, who previously suited up for University of Hawaii in US NCAA, tallied 16 points anchored on 14 attacks, one block, and one ace as Petro Gazz cruised to an early 1-0 record. 

Nicole Tiamzon chipped in nine points while the returning Myla Pablo and middle blocker KC Galdones each chimed in with eight and seven markers for the Angels, who recently tapped Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara to call the shots. 

In the second game, Cignal leaned on usual suspects Vanie Gandler and Ces Molina to pull off a similar sweep against rejigged Chery Tiggo, 28-26, 25-19, 27-25. 

Gandler top-scored the HD Spikers with 15 points while veteran Molina poured in 13 markers. 

The Crossovers were led by Mylene Paat, who put together a team-high 16 points as no other Chery Tiggo player scored in double digit. Eya Laure collected nine as new recruits Ara Galang and Aby Maraño tallied five and four points in their Crossovers debut. 

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News