Jul 15, 2024 02:29 PM
AT A GLANCE
Six teams open their respective title campaigns on Tuesday, July 16, when the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference fires off at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Galeries Tower and Nxled raise the curtain in their 2 p.m. tussle, while Chery Tiggo and Farm Fresh both seek for strong starts when they collide at 4 p.m.
But focus will be on multi-titled Creamline, which squares off with PLDT at 6 p.m. as it guns for an unprecedented ninth league title this import-flavored conference last played in 2022.
Apart from parading their respective acquisitions in the inaugural Rookie Draft held last week, the teams are also expected to showcase their respective imports to add fuel in their bids.
The Cool Smashers, banking on their All-Filipino Conference title victory, are leaning on American import Erica Staunton to boost the squad as they play without star player Jema Galanza due to national team duties.
The 6-foot-1 Staunton boasts of credentials as a two-time All-NCAA member, having played for Northeastern University and University of Georgia.
Staunton is expected to team up with a formidable lineup spearheaded by Tots Carlos, Michele Gumabao, Pangs Panaga and rookie libero Aleiah Torres, who was selected 12th overall in the draft.
PLDT is also bursting with promise with the expected return of Mika Reyes in the fold to join forces with veteran setter Kim Fajardo, Fil-Canadian Savi Davison, Majoy Baron, new recruit Angge Alcantara and Russian reinforcement Elena Samoilenko.
Galeries Tower, meanwhile, will have Brazilian import Monique Helena and rookie Julia Coronel in teaming up with Jewel Encarnacion, Roma Joy Doromal and Dodee Batindaan, while Nxled will have Krich Macaslang, Lycha Ebon, Jho Maraguinot and Bang Pineda.
Not to be outdone are Chery Tiggo, which has Katherine Bell, Ara Galang, EJ Laure and Abi Maraño, and Farm Fresh, which has a new coach in Shota Sato and promising players in Jolina Dela Cruz, Trisha Tubu, Caitlin Viray and Colombian import Yeny Murillo.
