MJ though will have to finish her Korean V. League stint before rejoining Petro Gazz in the PVL.
Petro Gazz Angels team captain could not help but be thrilled to welcome a familiar face soon in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The team announced two-time Best Middle Blocker MJ Phillips would be coming home to the Angels.
"Pagkarinig ko nung news, siyempre sobrang nasayahan ako kasi babalik na ‘yung buddy ko. Sobrang na-miss ko siya, personally na-miss ko siya. Regardless kung anuman ‘yung pwede naming i-offer na laro, more than du’n is MJ herself, siya mismo ‘yung na-miss ko," Palma said during the PVL press conference on Wednesday.
Of course the two have bonded. They even won the Best Middle Blocker award together during the 2023 PVL First All-Filipino Conference.
But MJ's return isn't going to be immediate. The 28-year-old middle blocker is currently fulfilling her duties for the Gwangju AI Peppers in the Korean Volleyball League, where she became the first and only Filipina selected in the Asian Quota Draft.
"Her commitment to the Peppers is of prime importance to her, tatapusin niya," Petro Gazz team manager David Dichupa bared.
Phillips is expected to miss at least the first month of the season-opening conference, which kicks off on February 20, as the Korean V. League runs until April.
Gwangju currently ranks last among seven teams.
Phillips will be bolstering an already tough Petro Gazz, which recently captured the PNVF Champions League title.
The Angels are expected to rely on a Brooke Van Sickle-fueled offense and a Palma-led defensive wall.
Both picked up awards in the PNVF Champions League.
"Hihintayin namin siya kung kailan man ‘yung day mismo ng pagbalik niya. Alam namin aabot talaga siya. ‘Yun nga, hopefully mas maraming games ‘yung maabutan niya sa’min dahil mas makakatulong siya sa’min," Palma said.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco)