BY ABBY TORALBA
THE much-anticipated battles in the PVL are back as rivals Creamline and Petro Gazz highlight the opening day of the All-Conference tomorrow at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Cool Smashers and the Angels duel at 6 p.m. in the main event of a double-header kicking off action in the tourney now billed as the All-Filipino Conference, formerly known as the Open Conference.
The Cool Smashers, champions of the Open Conference and Invitational Conference last year, remained intact, unlike other teams that went through major overhauls.
“Compared to other teams, we don’t have any changes in our line-up and coaches. We’re bringing the learning we had from the last conference (Reinforced Conference which) we lost,” star open spiker Alyssa Valdez, who is doubtful to suit up due a knee injury, said.
Jia Morado, who will be the skipper of the Cool Smashers; Diana Mae Carlos, Celine Domingo, Jema Galanza, and Jeanette Panaga are leading the squad in its title-retention drive.
Newly-revamped Petro Gazz seeks to continue its success from the Reinforced Conference.
The Angels tapped coach Oliver Almadro and added Dzi Gervacio, Heather Guino-o, Des Clemente and Jellie Tempiatura to boost their bid.
“Siguro since bago iyong coach, bagong system din. Merong nabawas pero siyempre meron din dumating so excited din iyong team namin for this conference. We will do our best pa rin,” team captain and veteran skipper Chie Saet said.
Akari battles Choco in the match kicking off the import-less tourney at 4 o’clock.
The Chargers are expected to parade a loaded roster in their first All-Filipino Conference after tapping veteran hitter Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Bang Pineda, Eli Soyud and Camille Victoria during the offseason.
Choco Mucho welcomed former national men’s volleyball team coach and men’s volleyball champion mentor Dante Alinsunurin as its new head mentor.
Kat Tolentino, Des Cheng, team captain Bea De Leon, Maddie Madayan, Deanna Wong and Denden Lazaro-Revilla will once again banner Choco Mucho.
