SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
Rising Above The Noise: How Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, And Petro Gazz Silenced The Doubts With Championship Grace
Photo credit: PVL
Let’s be real: the Petro Gazz Angels weren’t the fan favorites. Not against the Creamline Cool Smashers. Not when whispers swirled louder than cheers. And definitely not when Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips found themselves under fire—not for how they played, but for who they are.
But here’s the thing: they didn’t flinch.
Instead of clapping back, Van Sickle and Phillips did what elite athletes do—they performed. With heart, hustle, and a whole lot of grace.
In Game 3 of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Finals, the Angels pulled off the unthinkable—dethroning the 10-time champion Cool Smashers to claim their first-ever All-Filipino crown. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.
Van Sickle, the firecracker from Hilo, Hawaii with roots in Zambales, dropped 21 points, grabbed the MVP trophy, and still had enough gas to deliver 18 excellent receptions and 9 digs. If that’s not “Filipina pride in action,” we don’t know what is.
And then there’s Phillips. The Carson, California-born middle blocker with Ilocos Sur blood who’s been repping local volleyball since 2017. She was a wall at the net, scoring 15 points with four kill blocks and quieting every doubter with each clutch play.
Of course, some fans still weren’t convinced. There were questions, side-eyes, and online noise about whether they “belonged.” But while others were busy gatekeeping, these two were grinding—dedicating every set, spike, and serve to family, heritage, and a love for the sport.
“I just try to ignore the comments,” Phillips said, keeping it real. “Everything is for my mom and my lola who passed away. Every time I look at the flag of the Philippines – it’s for my lola.”
Van Sickle added, “I don’t expect people to be open arms with us. I understand how they feel. But I’m here. I’m representing the Philippines.”
And let’s not forget the rest of the squad. The Angels’ journey wasn’t some fairytale walk in the park. They faced elimination in the quarterfinals. Fought tooth and nail against ZUS Coffee. Then bulldozed through the semis and Finals—losing Game 2 but coming back stronger in Game 3 with a championship mindset.
Jonah Sabete, Myla Pablo, Joy Dacoron, Aiza Pontillas, Remy Palma, and the rest of the crew? They showed up, locked in, and made sure this run would be remembered.
Coach Koji Tsuzurabara’s system? Tested. Proven.
So, to the critics still clutching their pearls? Maybe it’s time to recalibrate. Because Van Sickle and Phillips didn’t just “belong”—they led. They inspired. They conquered.
They are Filipinas. They are champions. And they’re just getting started.
Next conference? Let’s see who’s still standing.
Because for now, the Angels have taken flight—and they’re not coming down anytime soon.
But here’s the thing: they didn’t flinch.
Instead of clapping back, Van Sickle and Phillips did what elite athletes do—they performed. With heart, hustle, and a whole lot of grace.
In Game 3 of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Finals, the Angels pulled off the unthinkable—dethroning the 10-time champion Cool Smashers to claim their first-ever All-Filipino crown. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.
Van Sickle, the firecracker from Hilo, Hawaii with roots in Zambales, dropped 21 points, grabbed the MVP trophy, and still had enough gas to deliver 18 excellent receptions and 9 digs. If that’s not “Filipina pride in action,” we don’t know what is.
And then there’s Phillips. The Carson, California-born middle blocker with Ilocos Sur blood who’s been repping local volleyball since 2017. She was a wall at the net, scoring 15 points with four kill blocks and quieting every doubter with each clutch play.
Of course, some fans still weren’t convinced. There were questions, side-eyes, and online noise about whether they “belonged.” But while others were busy gatekeeping, these two were grinding—dedicating every set, spike, and serve to family, heritage, and a love for the sport.
“I just try to ignore the comments,” Phillips said, keeping it real. “Everything is for my mom and my lola who passed away. Every time I look at the flag of the Philippines – it’s for my lola.”
Van Sickle added, “I don’t expect people to be open arms with us. I understand how they feel. But I’m here. I’m representing the Philippines.”
And let’s not forget the rest of the squad. The Angels’ journey wasn’t some fairytale walk in the park. They faced elimination in the quarterfinals. Fought tooth and nail against ZUS Coffee. Then bulldozed through the semis and Finals—losing Game 2 but coming back stronger in Game 3 with a championship mindset.
Jonah Sabete, Myla Pablo, Joy Dacoron, Aiza Pontillas, Remy Palma, and the rest of the crew? They showed up, locked in, and made sure this run would be remembered.
Coach Koji Tsuzurabara’s system? Tested. Proven.
So, to the critics still clutching their pearls? Maybe it’s time to recalibrate. Because Van Sickle and Phillips didn’t just “belong”—they led. They inspired. They conquered.
They are Filipinas. They are champions. And they’re just getting started.
Next conference? Let’s see who’s still standing.
Because for now, the Angels have taken flight—and they’re not coming down anytime soon.
Apr 13, 2025
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