Petro Gazz Angels’ Brooke Van Sickle during the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines —While Myla Pablo’s resurgence helped Petro Gazz return to the PVL finals after two years, she is offering her vintage season–and the chance to win the title–to teammate Brooke Van Sickle.
Petro Gazz became the first team to enter the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals on Friday, with Van Sickle leading the way and finally ending their string of missed opportunities in the past two conferences.
LIVE: PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals – April 3
“This one’s really for Brooke Van Sickle because, in the last two conferences, she’s done an amazing job. We said during our team building, this Finals is for Brooke. We all worked together to make it to this point,” said Pablo after scoring 16 points in their over Akari on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Coach gave me the chance to play, so I didn’t waste it. I gave my best. I had to help Brooke with offense and blocking. I’m also happy with the setters who trust me and give me confidence on the court.”
The reigning MVP said a team bonding session before the season strengthened their relationships, which fueled their dominant run—winning 15 of their 17 matches in the six-month tournament.
“We had a team bonding before this conference, and I don’t know, everyone was just getting emotional. I went up there, and I cried in front of my team—that’s how much I want a championship,” Van Sickle said.
READ: PVL: Myla Pablo’s resilience fuels Petro Gazz in crucial win
“Petro Gazz is like a family. There’s no drama, no chismis, and it’s awesome to be able to open up emotionally to them, to be vulnerable with my team. Just seeing their reaction was amazing. I know they’ve got my back at all moments, and I want to be that for them too.”
Now just a series away from an elusive All-Filipino title, the dynamic duo of Pablo and Van Sickle is focused on taking things one step at a time, point by point and game by game.
“I’m really happy that we made it to the finals. It’s not just me working hard—everyone is stepping up, even the subs like Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Djanel Cheng, they’re helping out too,” Pablo said. “
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It’s all about the team working together to get to the Finals. And like Coach Koji said, it’s not just about giving 100 percent, it’s about giving 200 percent. We’re in the Finals now, and we’re not letting go.”
