BY ABBY TORALBA
EXPECT fireworks when the much-awaited PVL Invitational Conference kicks off on June 27.
Triple-header battles are set on opening day at The Arena in San Juan, with the curtain-raiser between new team Farm Fresh and F2 Logistics at 1:30 p.m. launching the league’s new season.
At 4 o’clock, last year’s Invitationals’ bronze medalist Cignal HD takes on Petro Gazz, while reigning champion Creamline faces Chery Tiggo at 6:30 p.m.
The PVL will put on a show for its brightest stars, returning with 11 local teams and two foreign guest squads.
The 11 local teams are divided into two groups.
Group A is composed of the Cool Smashers, Crossovers, PLDT, Akari, and Gerflor while Group B is made up of six teams, namely, Petro Gazz, F2 Logistics, Choco Mucho, Cignal, Farm Fresh, and Foton.
“With volleyball in the country growing by leaps and bounds over the past decade, we feel that it’s about time to increase the number of member teams in the PVL,” said league president Ricky Palou in a statement.
“This will not only bring more excitement for our fans but also provide players with more opportunities to have a career in volleyball. The new teams are also committed to staying with us in the long term,” he added.
The two foreign guest teams will join the thrilling action in the semifinal round.
The PVL will have a 10-break from July 2 to 10 to pave the way for the country’s hosting of the Volleyball Nations League at the Mall of Asia Arena.
