Van Sickle, Nxled clash with Creamline in PVL opener in Ilagan, Isabela

IN HER FIRST chance playing for the Nxled Chameleons early this year, Brooke Van Sickle needed time to mesh well and adjust to her newfound team and system.

Expect her to be better this time around.

The 28-year-old PVL champion and MVP should come in with more fire when Nxled shoots for a franchise-best performance in the PVL on Tour where it tackles reigning All-Filipino Conference champion Creamline in Wednesday’s opener in Ilagan City, Isabela.

Nxled took in Ms. Van Sickle and several players including MJ Phillips and Myla Pablo from Petro Gazz, which went on an indefinite leave, and became a legitimate title contender overnight.

It disappointingly couldn’t live up to high expectations and fizzled to a fifth-place finish that replicated the club’s best effort in this same conference a year ago.

But given more time to train together, Ms. Van Sickle and the Chameleons should come in more motivated and determined to deliver a breakthrough performance, possibly a first podium finish in its three-year existence in the league.

It helps that recently acquired battle-tested setter Gel Cayuna and middle blocker Jackie Acuña form disbanded Cignal as well as spiker Irah Jaboneta from the Rookie Draft a month back.

Also expected to play significant roles are Lyann de Guzman, Aby Maraño, EJ Laure, Aduke Ogunsanya, Chiara Permentilla, Bang Pineda, Jonah Sabete-Escamillan, and Jules Tolentino. — Joey Villar