EXPECT a high-intensity showdown as Petro Gazz and ZUS Coffee battle for the last semifinal final slot in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Angels and the Thunderbelles meet in the do-or-die duel at 6 p.m. with the winner joining Creamline, Choco Mucho and Akari in the next round.

ZUS Coffee took Game 1 (25-21, 25-23, 27-25) last March 18 while Petro Gazz won Game 2 (25-19, 25-13, 28-26).

“It’s gonna be a battle and like coach Koji (Tzusurabara) said, the game is done now, and we have to focus on the next game (Game 3). So I thought everyone had a really good performance, and I’m happy we were able to turn it around. But yeah, ZUS will keep fighting so we gotta be ready,” said Petro Gazz star Brooke Van Sickle, who scored 17 points in Game 2.

“As an athlete, this is where we want to be, this is where we want to play – high-strung matches. Super cheesy, diamonds are made under pressure. That’s how good teams in the PVL, that’s how they’re able to handle pressure, be calm, be lethal, and accept the challenge. That’s what I’m challenging the team next game, just stay cool, calm and collected,” added Van Sickle.

Van Sickle will be supported by Myla Pablo, Mar Jane Phillips, Jonah Sabete and setter Relea Farina Saet.

Meanwhile, the Thunderbelles will rely on Chai Troncoso, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Thea Gagate, Chinnie Arroyo, Michelle Gamit, Gayle Pascual and star setter Cloanne Mondonedo to beat the Angels.

Troncoso led ZUS Coffee in Game 1 with 14 points, including four blocks and one ace. Gonzaga and Gagate chipped in 11 points each, while Arroyo and Gamit contributed 10 points apiece.

In Game 2, however, Arroyo had 10 points followed by Troncoso and Gagate with similar eight points, and Gonzaga with seven points. (PNA)