Brooke Van Sickle marked a new career-high in receptions after Petro Gazz's four-set thriller over Choco Mucho in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals.
More than her offensive game, Brooke Van Sickle is also a difference-maker for the Petro Gazz Angels in defense.
In a high-stakes PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinal showdown, Van Sickle delivered another stellar all-around performance, posting a triple-double of 17 points, 12 excellent digs, and 22 excellent receptions.
Her effort pushed Petro Gazz past the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in four grueling sets, 24-26, 25-18, 25-17, 27-25, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, April 1.
After the match, the reigning MVP acknowledged Choco Mucho’s effort, praising both the team and its passionate supporters.
"Choco Mucho did a fantastic job. Even their fans—it’s so cool to play in environments like that. Just so much energy," Van Sickle said during the post-game press conference. "It can be hard to focus, but I thought we did a great job just staying calm and together."
"We knew it wasn't going to be a pretty win. It was going to be a groveling, tiring win. It took everyone. Just to try to stay as a team—it was rough. But a win’s a win. Take it."
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While Van Sickle made her presence felt offensively, she put just as much emphasis on her defensive contributions, making sure every touch mattered.
Twenty-two excellent receptions marked the Fil-Hawaiian spiker’s career-high in that department, beating her 20 excellent reception game against the Creamline Cool Smashers during the 2024 All-Filipino Conference.
"I just try to take every touch seriously. The better I dig the ball, the more opportunities my teammates get," Van Sickle explained. "The more I can dig, the calmer everything is—versus chaotic, out of system."
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Van Sickle said she is also focused on making things easier for her teammates, ensuring the setters and middle blockers could stay in rhythm.
"I try my hardest to get the middles involved and not stress out the setters as much,” she added. “When I’m not on the front court, then it’s like, okay, what can I do in the backcourt to give back?"
With one more game left in the semifinals, Van Sickle and the Angels are determined to secure their Finals berth as they face the Akari Chargers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on Thursday, April 3.