MANILA, Philippines — A fit-again MJ Phillips is putting a premium on Petro Gazz’s strong team bond in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, which runs for six months starting Saturday at Philsports Arena.

Phillips is making her return for the Angels after missing the Reinforced Conference due to a left foot injury. Petro Gazz placed sixth and couldn’t complete a ‘three-peat’ in the import-laden tournament.

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“My health is pretty good. I mean, I have great PTs and my teammates are really patient with me and so are my coaches.  I’m excited but thankfully it’s a long season,” Phillips told the reporters.

READ: Petro Gazz-Choco Mucho headlines PVL All-Filipino opening day

The 6-foot middle blocker only saw action in the tail end of the 2024 All-Filipino, helping Petro Gazz win bronze following her stint with the  Gwangju AI Peppers in the Korean V-League.

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After rejoining the Angels, the Filipino-American player believes that not having a major change on their roster is an advantage in this conference. 

“Chemistry is always very important and being with them, no one’s changing or anything. It’s always a great thing to have so I’m just very excited about this conference,” Phillips said.

READ: PVL: Failed 3-peat bid serves as fuel for Petro Gazz

Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara will continue to lean on Phillips, Remy Palma, reigning MVP Brooke Van Sickle, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Myla Pablo, Djanel Cheng, and Chie Saet.

“I’m excited to play along some of my teammates that were my teammates before. And also getting to know some new teammates, playing alongside them is exciting always. And just hopefully our chemistry is good enough that we’re able to have a good outcome for this conference,” said the former Korean V-League import.

Petro Gazz kicks off its campaign against runner-up Choco Mucho, which parades Sisi Rondina’s return, at 6:30 p.m.