Petro Gazz star Brooke Van Sickle in the AVC Champions League.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Two-time PVL All-Filipino Conference MVP Brooke Van Sickle is expected to join Alas Pilipinas next week, with her documents for federation transfer already in progress.
With Petro Gazz Finals MVP MJ Phillips already participating in national team practices at Philsports Arena, Alas coach Jorge Souza De Brito told Inquirer Sports that both Phillips and Van Sickle have submitted their requirements for transfer from USA Volleyball to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.
READ: PVL: Brooke Van Sickle, Phillips proud to be Filipinos amid ‘import’ remarks
“Their papers are in process,” De Brito said in a text message.
Van Sickle and Phillips, who helped lead Petro Gazz to its first All-Filipino crown and impressed in the AVC Champions League, have expressed their intent to represent the Philippines in multiple interviews.
De Brito is also anticipating the arrival of Van Sickle and National University star Alyssa Solomon next week, along with the La Salle call-ups led by Angel Canino and Shevana Laput, who are currently on a break.
“Waiting for all of them next week,” said De Brito. “They (The Lady Spikers) have their recovery break scheduled by La Salle. They will join after.”
Alas Pilipinas’ growing MVP core
Bella Belen (right) joins Alas Pilipinas training camp. –ALAS VOLLEY FACEBOOK
With three-time UAAP MVP Bella Belen joining training on Wednesday—just a week after leading NU to its third title in four seasons—De Brito is thrilled with the depth of the national pool.
“We have many MVPs here. UAAP, PVL. We are happy and excited because our lineup is getting stronger,” said the Brazilian tactician.
READ: Jia De Guzman eager to lead and learn from young Alas Pilipinas
Belen and two-time UAAP Best Setter Lams Lamina have started practicing with veterans Jia De Guzman, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Eya Laure, Dell Palomata, Jennifer Nierva, Fifi Sharma, Mars Alba, Julia Coronel, Vanie Gandler, Thea Gagate, and Tia Andaya.
Rookie of the Year Shaina Nitura of Adamson has also been training for a week with Phillips, Maddie Madayag, Jeanette Panaga, Justine Jazareno, and Clarisse Loresco.
Alas Pilipinas is eyeing to end a 20-year medal drought in the Southeast Asian Games later this year.
The national team will first compete in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup (formerly Challenge Cup) from June 7 to 14 in Hanoi, Vietnam, before seeing action in the SEA V.League in July.
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