By Will Imperial
The Premier Volleyball League kicks off its eighth season today (Tuesday) with a thrilling lineup of matches, showcasing seasoned teams eager to demonstrate their prowess and newcomers aiming to make a strong impression at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Petro Gazz, a two-time Reinforced Conference champion, faces off against Strong Group at 4 p.m., with the Angels looking to build on their recent triumph in the Champions’ League.
Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips’ return, coupled with the addition of Fil-Am hitter Brooke Van Sickle, strengthens the Angels’ roster, positioning them as formidable contenders against the Strong Group Athletics, led by captain Dolly Verzosa.
Strong Group assumed control of the Gerflor franchise, while the Capital1 Solar Spikers filled the spot left by F2 Logistics.
Chery Tiggo, the 2021 Open Conference champion, has reinforced its lineup with notable acquisitions, including former F2 Logistics stalwarts Ara Galang and Aby Maraño. Alongside mainstays Mylene Paat, Shaya Adorador, Cess Robles, and sisters EJ and Eya Laure, they are expected to showcase their power and class at 6 p.m. clash against the Capital1 Solar Spikers.
The Capital1 Solar Spikers, under the guidance of multi-titled coach Roger Gorayeb, are determined to compete. Owned by sisters Mandy and Milka Romero, the team boasts a mix of experienced players and rising stars prepared for the challenge.
Team captain Jorelle Singh, along with Des Clemente, Heather Guino-o, Jannine Navarro, Arianne Layug, and Janeca Lana, will lead Capital1’s campaign. Support will be provided by Rovee Instrella, Renesa Melgar, Kath Villegas, Shyra Umandal, Lourdes Clemente, and Sydney Niegos.
The tournament format consists of a single round-robin among 12 teams, with the top four advancing to the semifinals, followed by another round-robin phase. The top two teams will then compete for the championship in a best-of-three series.
Meanwhile, PLDT and Galeries Tower will face off at 3 p.m., while Choco Mucho takes on Nxled at 5 p.m. in the second playdate on Thursday (Feb. 22) at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Creamline, the winner of last year’s two AFC titles, kicks off its quest for an eighth league championship against Farm Fresh at 6 p.m. on Saturday (Feb. 24) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the first triple-bill. The other matches include the Chery Tiggo-Strong Group clash at 2 p.m. and the Cignal-Akari duel at 4 p.m.
Fans can catch the action on free-to-air on One Sports, in HD on One Sports+, as well as on the PVL’s official website (pvl.ph) and the Pilipinas Live app. Global coverage includes the new free-to-air channel, RPTV.
