By Will Imperial
The already formidable Petro Gazz team on Wednesday morning welcomed back a key player as MJ Phillips triumphantly rejoined the Angels just in time for the highly anticipated 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The 28-year-old middle blocker recently showcased her skills with the Gwangju AI Peppers in the Korean Volleyball League, where she stood out as the sole Filipina drafted in the Asian Quota Draft.
Phillips had reached the pinnacle of her career before leaving the country last July, earning the title of Best Middle Blocker in both the 2022 Reinforced Conference and the 2023 First All-Filipino Conference. Her stellar performance led to her being the fifth overall pick in the prestigious 2023 KOVO Asian Quota Draft.
In Phillips’ absence, the Angels faced challenges, finishing the Invitational Conference in ninth place and the Second All-Filipino Conference in sixth place.
However, under the guidance of coach Koji Tsuzurabara, the team, fresh off their PNVF Champions League triumph last weekend, now boasts a formidable lineup with new recruits such as Myla Pablo and Brooke Van Sickle.
With the return of Phillips, the Angels’ championship aspirations are set to soar to new heights.
