ILAGAN — Three-time PVL MVP Brooke Van Sickle will miss the entire PVL on Tour as Nxled takes a cautious approach with the star spiker’s recovery from a minor right shoulder tear.
Chameleons head coach Ettore Guidetti confirmed the development to SPIN.ph, saying the team will hold Van Sickle out of the preseason tournament to avoid aggravating the injury.
“We have an almost comple team. Only [Brooke] Van Sickle is out. She’s dealing with a minor tear on her shoulder but will return for the next conference,” he said.
Van Sickle’s absence leaves Nxled without one of the league’s most dominant forces as the Chameleons continue their preparations for the upcoming season.
The Fil-Hawaiian winger has so far been the centerpiece of Nxled’s rise in the PVL coming from two title runs with Petro Gazz, collecting three MVP plums and establishing herself as one of the league’s most feared offensive weapons since joining the franchise.
But with the PVL on Tour only serving as a tune-up event, Guidetti and the Chameleons are prioritizing Van Sickle’s full recovery over early competition.
Her injury also opens the door for Nxled’s other players to take on bigger roles, especially with the preseason tournament implementing the mandatory 14-player rotation that requires every player to see action for at least three rallies.
The Chameleons will also get a chance to evaluate their depth and new pieces while Van Sickle works her way back to full strength.
Nxled’s title hopes in the PVL’s next conference will likely hinge on having its franchise player healthy, making Van Sickle’s recovery timeline a key storyline heading into the regular season.
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