PVL: Van Sickle sings praises for Pablo after veteran’s crunch time heroics

MANILA — Brooke Van Sickle had sweet words for Myla Pablo, after her veteran teammate carried Nxled in crunch time against Farm Fresh on Saturday.

Looking for a much-needed offensive power to avoid disaster against the Foxies, Pablo proved clutch, firing the squad’s last four points anchored on three attacks and a block to complete the win in the fifth set despite squandering a 2-0 lead, 25-19, 25-17, 23-25, 20-25, 15-12.

“I love playing with Myla [Pablo] because Myla is just a gamer. I think she’s one of those players that when it comes to crunch time, she’s going to get that kill,” said Van Sickle during the postgame press conference.

“She’s going to just be clutch,” she added.

Pablo complemented the 20-point output of Van Sickle, providing 17 markers on 11 attacks and six blocks.

With the two spikers clicking, Van Sickle was grateful to play with her fellow former Conference MVP, especially now that she is connecting with their setter, Gel Cayuna.

“It’s very great to be able to have her on the team. And I think her paired with [setter] Gel [Cayuna]—I think Gel gave her really good opportunities and Myla took care of business. So very grateful to be on the same side of the net as you,” Van Sickle told Pablo.

The secret to Pablo’s impressive showing, as she disclosed briefly before the conference, is her discipline.

As she reached her 10th year in the league, Pablo is not wasting opportunities, keeping herself physically fit to show up in games.

“Siyempre, I know na isa rin ako sa inaasahan ng team ngayon na kailangan maging healthy ‘yung katawan ko, and siyempre ayoko magkasakit kasi ‘pag nagkasakit ka, back to zero ka,” said the 33-year-old Pablo.

“So, ‘yun ‘yung lagi ko nire-remind ‘yung sarili ko na kailangan every day talaga maging maganda ‘yung gising ko, kailangan maganda ‘yung kalalabasan ng katawan ko—para maging maayos ‘yung pag-prepare ko sa bawat games namin this conference,” she went on.