Petro Gazz’s Brooke Van Sickle during a PVL game against Farm Fresh in Candon, Ilocos Sur.–PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Brooke Van Sickle sparked in her Ilocos Sur homecoming, leading Petro Gazz past Farm Fresh, 25-21, 25-17, 25-19, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino on Saturday at Candon City Arena.
Van Sickle, whose grandfather’s hometown is in San Emilio, Ilocos Sur, played inspired in front of her relatives, dropping 19 kills and an ace.
“It was a loving feeling. I’ve been dreaming about this moment to be able to come here and just see how it was because my grandpa would always tell stories about how much he misses this place. Unfortunately, he couldn’t come here because of health concerns but I can’t wait to bring the pictures to him. I’m very excited,” said Van Sickle.
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“It’s amazing. Outside, it’s an electric feeling. Everyone’s high energy and so loud, you can hear them from here. It was awesome just to be able to play here. It’s like full circle for me because my grandpa grew up here, went to high school here. I got to go to San Emilio yesterday and it was really cool to see where my grandfather and my mom used to stay and everything,” she added.
The reigning All-Filipino MVP is honored to play in front of her relatives and the Ilocanos, giving her a new motivation this season.
“Finally, to be able to play here it’s just a fulfilling moment. Now I feel like it adds more motivation for me. Now I know this place and how beautiful it is and the people, too. And to be able to finally make that connection is really huge for me so I’m really, really grateful,” said the Filipino-American spiker.
“I just wanted to come out and give them a good game.”
Myla Pablo also shone as a starter with 11 points including two blocks as Jonah Sabete missed the game due to a strained left calf. Aiza Maizo-Pontillas added 10 points including the game-winning hit to beat Farm Fresh in an hour and 45 minutes.
Libero BLove Barbon protected the floor with 12 excellent receptions and seven digs, while setter Djanel Cheng dished out 13 excellent sets and an ace.
READ: PVL: Brooke Van Sickle powers Petro Gazz past Choco Mucho
Petro Gazz rose to a 2-1 record, bouncing back from a tough 19-25, 22-25, 16-25 first loss to Creamline last week in Antipolo
“I appreciate Farm Fresh, Farm Fresh is a [young] team. My team’s outside spiker Jonah [Sabete] had an injury, she can’t play but Myla she had a [great] performance. Other players also [had] a good performance,” said Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara.
“Last game versus Creamline, we didn’t have good teamwork but today, we had good teamwork so that’s why we won.”
The Angels have a long break before facing the Akari Chargers next on December 5 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Farm Fresh remained winless in two games with Trisha Tubu being the lone bright spot with 14 points.
The Foxies have a week to prepare for the Chargers next Saturday at Philsports Arena.