Brooke Van Sickle expressed gratitude for the chance to compete at the 2025 AVC Women's Champions League, saying she wants to “soak in the good volleyball” as Petro Gazz advanced to the quarterfinals.
After the sting of an early loss in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, Brooke Van Sickle made one thing clear: volleyball is still about joy and the journey.
The Fil-Hawaiian standout shared that the Petro Gazz Angels regrouped quickly after falling to Kaohsiung Taipower, setting a new tone ahead of their next challenge.
The result? A dominant 25-8, 25-12, 25-12 win over Hong Kong’s Hip Hing at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, April 22, enough to send the Angels into the quarterfinals with renewed energy and confidence.
“Yeah, definitely we feel more comfortable, grooving better,” Van Sickle said after contributing nine points and eight excellent digs in the sweep. “After last night’s loss we talked as a team, we made sure we are collectively together, moving forward.”
Rather than dwell on the pressure, the Angels chose to reset mentally and simply enjoy the game again.
“This morning we talked about it. You know, it does not matter what the result is, let’s just have fun,” she said. “So we just say, hey, it doesn’t matter what the result is — we just stay together, have a good time, smile, and play good volleyball. I’m very happy with the result, and our energy was much, much better.”
For Van Sickle, who led Petro Gazz to their first-ever PVL All-Filipino title, the AVC tournament has become a chance for them to play on a bigger stage, against some of Asia’s top teams.
“It’s a different stage, like what Rem [Palma] says. This is much higher… this is crazy volleyball right now,” she said with a grin. “These are all champions from Asia, and I’m just really glad to have this opportunity.”
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Far from being intimidated, Van Sickle said she’s soaking in every moment, using it as fuel to grow and push herself further.
“I want to soak in the good volleyball. I am trying to learn and see all the good teams,” she added. “It’s awesome we’re able to play at this tournament. To whoever set this up, thank you so much. It’s just an awesome experience.”
The competition will only get tougher for Van Sickle and the Angels as they gear up to face Beijing Baic Motor in the quarterfinals on Thursday, April 24.