Creamline Cool Smashers celebrate a point during the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals against Choco Mucho Flying Titans. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Alyssa Valdez believes Brooke Van Sickle will be the game-changer in Creamline’s fifth finals showdown against Petro Gazz, this time in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference best-of-three championship.
“After a few conferences, Brooke has really adjusted well to Petro Gazz’s system and discipline. You can see that she’s now in sync with the team, making their movements smooth throughout this conference, even in their last game,” said Valdez in Filipino after scoring 11 points in Creamline’s finals-clinching 25-19, 25-15, 25-15 win over Choco Mucho on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
READ: PVL: Brooke Van Sickle ready for tough Finals battle vs Creamline
“Every finals has its own story—there’s nervousness and excitement. But we’re facing a new challenge now, and we’re ready. After being in the finals for so long, it’s refreshing to have different challenges both behind the scenes and on the court. We’re really excited. And Brooke, welcome to the PVL Finals!”
Tots Carlos, who is returning to the PVL finals with Valdez after missing the historic grand slam last year, said they need to stay together to contain the Filipino-American sensation.
Petro Gazz’s Brooke Van Sickle, left, and Jonah Sabete team up in a statement win over Creamline in the PVL semifinals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“If we do our job right, I think we can stop her. It’s really a mental game. If you get tricked, you need to reset and get back to work. Since both teams are veterans, I think mental toughness will be key in the finals,” Carlos said.
Beyond Van Sickle, Valdez knows the Cool Smashers be facing the deepest Petro Gazz lineup since their first finals duel in the 2019 Reinforced Conference, where the Angels triumphed behind imports Wilma Salas and the late Janisa Johnson.
READ: PVL: Myla Pablo dedicates Petro Gazz finals run to Brooke Van Sickle
“This conference, Petro Gazz has a complete team—not just in the wings, but also with (Jonah) Sabete and MJ Phillips. They’re solid all around, and their bench is deep. Plus, they’re all healthy. Since both teams are experienced, the key difference will be who stays healthier and keeps up throughout the series,” Valdez said.
She also praised the PVL’s continued growth.
“The league has been around for a long time and keeps producing strong teams. Whether you’re a new or veteran squad, the team with the most heart and determination will make it to the finals. The PVL has done a great job developing players and keeping them at their best.”
Proving Petro Gazz’s depth is Myla Pablo’s resurgence as Valdez also braces for her former college and early PVL seasons rival in Creamline’s quest for fifth consecutive All-Filipino Conference title and seventh consecutive finals.
“She’s definitely in her best shape right now. You can really see the fire in her, and it makes her much harder to compete with. Players who have that passion and drive are tough to face,” said three-time MVP Valdez. “As for us, we’re going to have to work twice as hard to match that kind of challenge.”
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Creamline and Petro Gazz open their finals series on Tuesday next week at the Big Dome.
