BY ABBY TORALBA
EXPECTED to have more thrilling matches this year, the PVL intends to launch its new season next month.
PVL president Ricky Palou said yesterday that the league plans to start the Open Conference, which will be the first meet of the season, on Feb. 4.
Currently, the league has nine club teams led by reigning Open and Invitational champion Creamline and Reinforced Conference titlist Petro Gazz.
Cignal, PLDT, Chery Tiggo, Choco Mucho, F2, UAI-Army and Akari are expected to show their worth in the coming season.
The Cool Smashers ruled last year’s Open Conference last March after bringing down the Angels in the finals.
The HD Spikers joined the previous Open Conference’s podium finish, taking the bronze medal.
Creamline’s Diana Mae Carlos was hailed as the conference’s MVP, while teammate and skipper Alyssa Valdez bagged the finals MVP plum.
Meanwhile, the Crossovers have begun to beef up their line-up.
Chery Tiggo announced last Jan. 1 that it has signed open spiker Pauline Gaston, who last played for Choco Mucho.
“Welcome to the team, Pauline “Ponggay” Gaston! What a way to start the year off. We look forward to a thrilling journey ahead with you,” the team wrote on its social media accounts.
The former Ateneo Blue Eagle started her PVL career with the Flying Titans and also suited up for Choco Mucho the past two years.
