Wearing the jersey number once donned by the late Janisa Johnson, Brooke Van Sickle vowed to honor her memory by helping Petro Gazz retain the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference crown.
Van Sickle never had the opportunity to meet Johnson but heard many wonderful things about the champion import, who teamed up with Wilma Salas to lead the Angels to the 2019 Reinforced Conference title.
“I personally wasn’t able to meet her but everything I’ve heard was just wonderful things. Everyone has so much love for her,” said the reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP.
“I wished I could have been able to watch her play and play with her but I’m happy to be wearing the same number and hopefully I can continue to play well and get that win for her so we’ll try.”
The Angels paid tribute to Johnson by featuring an angel wing wrapped around her No. 10 on the top left of their jerseys.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
Malina Terrell, Johnson’s best friend, also tried out for Petro Gazz last month as she was in the country for Let’s Keep The Ball Flying’s outreach program.
“I felt like it was very right, all the teams played with her. It was a wonderful decision by the management to show that support and everything. Prayers out to her and everything,” said Van Sickle.
“We actually met her best friend a couple of weeks ago. She came in practice with us and birds of the same feather flock together, the friend was amazing so I’m assuming, she is too.”
Petro Gazz began their title defense with a swift, straight-set victory over ZUS Coffee, 25-16, 25-21, 25-21, in the 2024 Reinforced Conference on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
Van Sickle led the game with 22 points from 18 attacks, three aces, and one block, complemented by 11 excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
Salas, dedicating the team’s campaign to Johnson, contributed 15 points and 12 excellent receptions in her return home.
