Known as one of the deadliest opposite spikers in the country, MJ Phillips made the surprising transition to the middle for Petro Gazz in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.
And the 6-foot Filipina-American spiker did not disappoint, rejecting a total of five spikes to finish with 12 points in the Angels’ debut win against BaliPure, 25-14, 25-20, 23-25, 25-21, on Thursday at the Paco Arena and Sports Center.
According to Petro Gazz head coach Jerry Yee, the influx of outside and opposite hitters in the roster was one of the main reasons why he converted the 6-foot Philipps to the middle blocker role.
Currently, the Angels have Grethcel Soltones, Aiza-Maizo Pontillas, Myla Pablo, Nicole Tiamzon, and Jonah Sabete on the roster.
But Yee also revealed that Carson, California native approached him prior to the season and volunteered to make the switch.
“Unang-unang ang dami nating open and meron namang maglalaro ng opposite. Ang kulang talaga kami sa middle,” said Yee, who also made his return to the PVL after almost four years.
“Plus, nag-volunteer naman siya na gusto rin niya mag-contribute. Malaking bagay yun e, yung pag vo-volunteer niya so tinry na nating i-habol yung mga moves niya sa middle,” he added.
Phillips’ move made the switch much easier, according to Yee. After all, she already has the skills to excel as a middle blocker.
“Meron naman siya e, given na yung running niya andiyan naman, noon pa naman niya ginagawa yun.”
