Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips' growing friendship is making a huge impact on the Petro Gazz Angels' campaign in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
More than a year after arriving in the Philippines from Hawaii, Brooke Van Sickle has accustomed to playing for the Petro Gazz Angels in the PVL.
A huge part of that is due to her growing friendship with MJ Phillips.
The two Fil-Am stars played pivotal roles in the Angels’ dominant sweep of the Nxled Chameleons, 25-19, 25-14, 25-17, at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday, February 20.
Van Sickle led the charge with 17 points off 15 attacks, a block, and an ace; while Phillips contributed 14 points, built on nine kills, two blocks, and three aces.
For the 25-year-old outside hitter, having Phillips as a teammate goes beyond just volleyball, it’s about having a steady presence amid the pressures of competing.
"For me, I’m very grateful to have a friend like her because when I’m stressed, whenever pressure gets to me, I’m able to look at her and she calms me down," Van Sickle shared during the post-game press conferece.
"She keeps me level-headed and calm, so I think it’s very great to be able to have a support system outside of volleyball too."
[ALSO READ: Brooke Van Sickle embraces pressure as Petro Gazz wraps up PVL prelims at 10-1]
This isn’t the first time that Van Sickle spoke highly of Phillips.
In fact, in her first days as a member of Petro Gazz, the Fil-Hawaiian superstar shared how she and Phillips clicked almost instantly as soon as they met.
This has seemingly translated to a solid on-court chemistry which Van Sickle cherishes as the Angels hope to reach their goal of securing another PVL title.
"I’m just very grateful for the last year that we had together, and I can’t wait to see how our friendship continues and grows from here on out," said Van Sickle.
[ALSO READ: PVL: MJ Phillips strives for peak form with best game for Petro Gazz since return]
With the playoffs looming, the duo's friendship and trust in each other will be just as valuable as their firepower on the court as Petro Gazz eyes a deep postseason run.