In a conference marked by twists and turns, the Petro Gazz Angels received a seismic boost just in time for the climax of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
The return of seasoned middle blocker MJ Phillips injected fresh vigor into the squad's veins, propelling them to a resounding victory that reverberated through the Philsports Arena.
Phillips, making a triumphant comeback after a spell on the sidelines, wasted no time in leaving her mark on the court. In a nail-biting encounter against Nxled, she emerged as the beacon of resurgence for the Angels, delivering pivotal plays that secured a hard-fought 22-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-22 victory.
Her stat line spoke volumes: 11 points tallied through nine attacks, a block, and an ace.
With Phillips back in the fold, Petro Gazz soared to new heights, clinching the coveted number-one spot for the first time since their glory days in the 2019 Reinforced Conference.
Sporting an imposing 9-2 record and armed with a league-leading 28 points, the Angels stood as formidable contenders poised for postseason greatness.
For Phillips, her return to action wasn't just about personal triumph; it was a vital step in synchronizing with the team's dynamics under the tutelage of Japanese head coach Koji Tsuzurabara.
Reflecting on her comeback performance, the former PVL Best Middle Blocker emphasized the significance of the final game of the elimination round as a crucial trial run to reacquaint herself with the team's rhythm and strategies.
"This game was very important to me because I needed to gauge how I fit into the team and adapt to the system. I was a bit rusty, but with more practice, we'll get there," remarked Phillips, echoing her determination to elevate her game to its zenith.
With her return, Petro Gazz's trajectory for the playoffs took an auspicious turn.
Phillips, relieved of any impending commitments to the Korean V-League Asian Quota combine due to her prior stint with the Gwangju AI Peppers, could fully focus on igniting the Angels' postseason campaign with unwavering fervor.
As the playoffs beckoned, Phillips exuded optimism tempered with a steely resolve.
Looking ahead to the challenging round-robin semifinals, where they would clash with Chery Tiggo sans the formidable presence of Mylene Paat, she underscored the team's collective determination to transcend their recent sluggish performance and emerge as indomitable contenders.
"It feels good to be back, honestly. Amidst familiar faces and new arrivals, it's been an adjustment period, but we're finding our groove. Our focus may have wavered today, but come the semis, we'll regroup and unleash our full potential," affirmed Phillips.
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