The young squad stood its ground and pulled off the biggest upset in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League, defeating taller Angels led by veteran players Myla Pablo, Ces Molina, and Ria Meneses.

Casiey Dongallo and Jelai Gajero powered the squad, delivering killer blows in the fifth set.

“Kaya po kami nakahabol kasi di lang po isang player yung gumagana. Lahat po, from each skill, passing, serving, blocking, hitting, gumagana po. Playing against these teams, mga pro players, we have to work as a team, not individually. Noong 5th set, dikit na yung laban, walang bumitaw. Lahat kumapit,” Gajero said.

“It’s a miracle po,” she added.

The Angels were up for grabs, leading two sets to none and even in the third 19-14, but Dongallo and Gajero displayed a “never quit” attitude to extend the match. 

Come the fourth set, California dominated the biggest lead, 21-9.

Fifth set saw the two teams neck-and-neck, where Gajero scored a clutch kill to score a clutch kill to put the Antipolo-based team at match-point, 14-12.

Gretchel Soltones delivered her own spike to bring the deficit to one, 14-13, but the game ended with Joyce Soliven nailing the game-winning attack.

Dongallo and Gajero scored 22 points each while Jenalyn Umayam added seven points.

Meanwhile, Ces Molina finished with 22 points built on 18 attacks, three blocks, and an ace while Soltones had 14 points on top of 21 excellent receptions and 11 digs for the Angels, who lost their chance to contend for the silver medal after the frustrating defeat.

PetroGazz will face Tuguegarao Perlas Spikers (2-2) in a do-or-die match for the bronze medal on Thursday at 1:30 p.m.