THERE are longstanding ties that have bound Petro Gazz’ three imports for nearly a decade now.
In two separate chapters of their overseas careers, Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips crossed paths with their American import of Italian-Canadian descent in Gia Day.
“MJ and Gia played at the same time in Korea together, so that's how they know each other. I've actually known Gia for like a decade now. Ten years,” said Van Sickle.
READ: Sluggish Petro Gazz falls to Taipower in rough AVC opener
Day was already playing for another team when Phillips was drafted by the Gwangju AI Peppers in the Korean Volleyball League in 2023.
She was once part of the Jung Kwan Jang Red Sparks before returning to the United States to play two separate stints that preceded her eventual Petro Gazz stint at present.
When it comes to Van Sickle and Day, it was way back in their college days when they once had a mini-rivalry of their own.
“Playing club volleyball in the States, that's how I met her. We ended up doing a stint thing in our senior year. We got invited to play in some games from around the country, so everyone got to play in like this fun game,” BVS said.
As part of two different US NCAA Division I schools, it wasn’t until a few days into their Philippine reunion in which they were able to recall their past battles.
“Actually, we played against each other in college. We just remembered this morning. She went to Baylor when I was at Hawaii and we actually played each other. I lost, but that's okay,” said BVS.
“I’ve known her for a long time, so it was really cool to be able to get connected and then have her come here because I've been hoping and praying that she'd come, so it's just all worked out.
“It’s definitely a full circle moment. Volleyball is such a small world. It's awesome.”
On Day’s end, this new day in her career with Petro Gazz has been nothing short of encouraging, even in defeat.
“I’m really thankful for the girls. They’ve made connecting really easy. We’ve only been together for like four days, but I feel like I’ve known them for months. They are just so kind. Really funny, goofy,” Day said.
“But to improve this connection, I think we improved a lot today in today in the game. You could see the rhythm change and evolve over time. I think this was the perfect moment, like what Brooke said, to gain rhythm and learn from each other.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
