Four games into Petro Gazz’s campaign in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference and it is already evident that the hard-hitting Jonah Sabete is the perfect second fiddle to Filipino-American star Brooke Van Sickle.
The Angels just notched their second consecutive dominant win, dispatching Akari via straight sets 25-21, 25-23, 25-17, just a week after their strong showing over contender PLDT last Saturday, to force a tie with the High Speed Hitters at the second spot with 3-1 standings.
Van Sickle delivered her best performance in the PVL yet, scoring 24 points on 18 attacks, four aces, and two blocks to go along with six excellent digs while Sabete complimented her anew, tallying 12 points and four excellent receptions.
The former US NCAA standout said that playing alongside Sabete and seeing her up close brings out the best in her.
“So about Jonah, she’s fiery, right? She gives her 100 percent at all times and it’s very cool to be able to play with her,” said Van Sickle.
“Honestly, she just goes up there and smashes the ball so hard. It’s very inspirational so I’m like ‘Shoot, maybe I should hit the ball hard too.’ She definitely inspires me for sure and I believe in all my teammates. Anyone can make double digits every single game, they’re fantastic players,” she added.
As for Sabete, it’s all about putting in the work, just like what she has been doing for the Angels in the past, and helping the team reach their goal.
The product of Bulacan State University also admitted that she still has a lot to work on for this conference, especially her consistency in attacking. Make no mistake, Sabete said that she is working doubly in addressing this concern as she eyes to be an even more solid contributor for the team moving forward.
“Actually noong dumating talaga si Brooke it’s like a… Sinabi ko talaga sa sarili ko na kailangan ko tumulong, which is gan’un naman talaga nangyari sakin the last few conferences like lagi akong tumutulong lang talaga,” said Sabete.
“Alam naman din ng mga teammates ko na if ever ipasok ako, kikilos at gagawa rin talaga. So number one nalang is ‘yung consistency sa palo. ‘yun nalang wino-work ko which is Coach Koji naman talaga nagpapa-work din sakin. So challenging din sakin kasi minsan china-challenge rin niya ako sa training talaga.”
