BROOKE Van Sickle had a triumphant return as Nxled, now in full strength, swept PLDT, 25-16, 25-20, 25-18, for a smashing Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series debut at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday night.
Returning to action for the first time since being sidelined by a minor shoulder injury during the On Tour and Invitational, Van Sickle made an immediate impact, tallying 11 points on 10 kills and a block that went along with eight digs and two receptions for the Chameleons.
Van Sickle was sorely missed when the club secured the silver behind Thailand’s EST Cola in the Invitational.
“I’m grateful to be back. Nobody wants to be injured, and the recovery process has been a long one, with its share of ups and downs. But my teammates, coaches, and management supported me throughout the entire process of getting back on the court,” said Van Sickle.
Despite her impressive individual performance, Van Sickle was quick to credit the collective effort of her teammates, highlighting the team’s depth and willingness to step up early in the season.
“It was a good start. Everybody delivered and did a fantastic job, including our second six. The entire team performed tremendously, and I’m super proud of everyone. Beyond the mental support I received from my teammates, it was great to see everyone stepping up on the court in different ways. That’s encouraging to see this early in the season, and I’m really excited about where we go from here,” said Van Sickle.
Nxled joined Choco Mucho, Creamline and Farm Fresh in the early lead after two match days of the league’s first of three series.
Jackie Acuña, one of the Chameleons key off-season acquisitions, also shone in the middle, matching Myla Pablo’s nine-point output, while Jonah Escamillan and EJ Cariño chipped in seven points apiece.
Gel Cayuna, who like Acuña is a former Cignal standout, provided additional firepower while orchestrating Nxled’s offense, finishing with seven points highlighted by her trademark 1-2 plays. She also dished out 14 excellent sets, and has connected well with Van Sickle.
Libero Irah Jaboneta, Nxled’s first-round pick in this year’s Rookie Draft, had nine receptions.
Up next for the Chameleons are the Foxies at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Playtime Filoil Centre.
