For Brooke Van Sickle, watching the Nxled Chameleons reach their first‑ever PVL final was both a proud moment and a painful one.
The 28‑year‑old outside hitter missed the PVL On Tour and the Invitational Conference with a minor tear in her right shoulder. From the sidelines, she watched the Chameleons go all the way to the Invitational championship round, where they fell to Thai club Est Cola and settled for silver.
Van Sickle said she was happy for her teammates but found it hard not to be out there with them.
“So, the process was bittersweet. They made it, you know, they supported me every step, so it was easy that way. But then, you know, (it was hard) missing the game and having to watch from afar,” she said. “I mean, no athlete likes to be injured, right? During that time, it was really tough at moments, but I had the support of my coaching staff, our teammates, too, and management and ownership. They supported me every step, so it was easy that way.”
Credit to Guidetti, Team Chemistry
She also gave credit to head coach Ettore Guidetti for keeping the group connected and getting the most out of everyone during the Invitational.
“It’s really cool that we’re able to podium, get second. That was first in Nxled history,” said Van Sickle. “The girls fought and grinded really well, and Coach Ettore did a really good job, able to get everybody flowing and playing really well with each other and good chemistry.”
Van Sickle Back in Action
Now fully healthy, the former league MVP picked up right where she left off. She led all scorers with 11 points on 10 attacks and 1 block, plus 8 excellent digs, as Nxled swept the PLDT High Speed Hitters, 25‑16, 25‑20, 25‑18, in its Siklab Series opener at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday.
Van Sickle wants that level of play to carry through the rest of the conference, and she believes Nxled’s depth will help.
“It’s really good to be back. So, I thought it’s just going really well, and I hope to continue to see this improvement as the conference goes on. So, I think no matter, like, who’s the starting six, everyone’s producing really well. So, yeah, I’m really proud of everyone,” she said.
Wish Fulfilled with Cayuna
Van Sickle’s return also fulfilled a wish she has had since arriving in the Philippines: playing alongside setter Gel Cayuna.
“Since I got here in the Philippines, I’ve always wanted to play with Jackie and Gel, or both of them. But, yeah, I’ve always, you know, thought Gel was one of the best setters in the country, and I really wanted to play with her,” she said. “So, it worked well for me.”
Nxled will next face the Farm Fresh Foxies on Saturday, October 17, 1:00 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
