MANILA – Brooke Van Sickle lifted Petro Gazz Angels to a 25-20, 26-28, 25-21, 25-16 victory against Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 2024 PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference on Saturday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Filipina-American hitter finished with 34 points, including 28 attacks, to go with 14 excellent digs as the Angels opened their campaign in the five-month long conference on a bright note.
Van Sickle, who is on her second year with the Petro Gazz, stated that she does not mind much about her offensive explosion as she just wanted to help her team achieve their championship goals this conference.
“For me, I don’t worry about stats. I just try to give it my 100 percent every time. I make sure I’m there for my teammates,” Van Sickle said during her Player of the Game interview.
Negrense Jonah Sabete and Ilongga Aiza Maizo-Pontillas also made their presence felt offensively with 18 markers apiece, while Angels team captain Mary Remy Palma contributed 10 points in the win.
Cherry Ann Rondina led the Flying Titans with 18 points, mostly coming from attacks, Cherry Nunag and Kat Tolentino each contributed 12, and Isa Molde and Honey Royse Tubino chipped in six points apiece.
In the first game, Akari Power Chargers battled back from a set down to defeat Galeries Tower Highrisers, 28-30, 25-15, 25-16, 25-23, and join the Angels on top of the standings.
Gretchel Soltones spearheaded the offense with 18 points, built on 13 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace for the Power Chargers, which came from a runner up finish in the Reinforced Conference.
“Sinasabi ko nga sa teammates ko na wala pa kaming napapatunayan (sa All-Filipino Conference), kaya, tulad ng sinasabi ni coach Taka (Minowa), na dapat everyday may natutunan kami and dapat mai-apply namin ‘yun sa laro,” Soltones said.
Faith Nisperos, fresh from Alas Pilipinas duty, also came through with 16 points off the bench, while Ivy Lacsina also finished with 16 markers to underscore Akari’s balanced offensive sock./PN
