Filipino-American players lead Petro Gazz to PVL win amid hate

Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips, American-born Filipino players for the Petro Gazz Angels, led their team to a historic victory against the Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL All-Filipino championship.

Despite facing discriminatory comments due to their mixed heritage, both players remained focused on representing their family and country with pride, asserting that they are proud Filipinos.

Phillips, who has roots in Zambales, dedicated her performance to her late grandmother while Van Sickle expressed her commitment to playing for the Philippines and obtaining Philippine federation status.

Both players emphasized that they view themselves as Filipinos and hope to be fully embraced by Filipinos one day, with their paperwork for changing federations already processed.

Despite encountering hate from some fans, Van Sickle and Phillips remain determined to continue their volleyball careers in the Philippines and immerse themselves in Filipino culture.