PVL: Korea-bound MJ Phillips’ status at Petro Gazz still uncertain

FILE – Petro Gazz Angels’ MJ Phillips. PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Petro Gazz is still waiting for the go signal from MJ Phillips’ Korean V-League team if she can play in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.

The Gwangju AI Peppers Asian import was not in uniform in the Angels’ campaign opener when they lost to the Cignal HD Spikers, 25-18, 18-25, 21-25, 22-25,  in Pool B on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Petro Gazz coach Oliver Almadro said they learned a day before the opener that they have to clarify things with Phillips’ Korean team, which drafted her as the fifth pick in the first-ever 2023 KOVO Women’s Asian Quota.

“We fully support MJ in her career, especially going to Korea. We’re afraid that it might affect her preparation for Korea and we’re not yet sure if she’s allowed to play in this tournament or if she has to go there right away. Actually, she already delayed her departure to stay with us. But unfortunately, we have to be careful,” Almadro told reporters in Filipino. “We really don’t know what can happen. We are really careful. That’s our circumstances that we cannot control. So we have to live with it. We have to find a way, make a way for our future games.”

“I think we were surprised because we just learned yesterday that there might be a problem. So let’s work on it first. And you know, the Petro Gazz family is really supporting her. That’s why we don’t want to risk it. We love MJ,” he added.

Almadro is not ruling out the possibility that the Filipino-American can still suit up this conference before flying to Korea for the new volleyball season starting in October.

“Maybe on Thursday, her Korean team might say that you can play, no problem with us. If she’ll play, it will be big for us. But as of now, there is no go signal yet,” he said. 

“We just have to play what we have right now. And unfortunately, if MJ played. I guess, easily, she will contribute a couple of blocks per set and per game. But I trust the other players will also deliver.”

Petro Gazz only had three blocks without Phillips against Cignal’s eight. Remy Palma had nine points, while Des Clemente got the other starting middle blocker role but only scored a point.

Phillips, who won the Best Middle Blocker in the past two tournaments, has been a vital part of the Angels’ three finals appearances in the last four conferences including a title in the Reinforced last December.

Almadro said they will accept the decision of Gwangju and support Phillips on her journey as the first Filipino player to play in Korea’s women’s league.

“We told her: we will not risk it, MJ. We love you and we are a family here. We want you to prosper in your career and experience a much higher level of playing, playing field, and who knows, maybe when she comes back MJ will be stronger for Petro Gazz and the national team,” he said.

The Angels try to bounce back on Thursday against the debuting Foton Tornadoes at 6:30 p.m.

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