SCHEDULE: All-Filipino PVL Conference 2024-2025
FILE – An overview of the official PVL ball. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The departure of key players and the impending emergence of rookies for their new teams have fueled anticipation for the resumption of the PVL All-Filipino Conference on January 18.
One of the biggest news to greet the new year was the departure of duo Ces Molina and Ria Meneses from Cignal after their contract expired at the end of December.
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Just as the teams were returning from vacation, Molina and Meneses made a shocking announcement that they had decided to part ways with the HD Spikers during the current season – an unprecedented situation for a PVL team in the professional era of the league.
The pair did not reveal the reason for their departure, but Cignal, whom they led to two second-place finishes and five bronze medals, said Molina and Meneses had not responded to extension offers.
After leaving the Cignal HD Spikers, Ria Meneses and Ces Molina could join a new PVL team. –PVL FILE PHOTOS
Although the main reason for their departure was to pursue overseas deals, in case Molina and Meneses find new teams in the PVL, they would not be able to participate in the ongoing All-Filipino tournament.
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Even before the season started, PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo said he encouraged teams not to put players on the roster with expiring contracts because they would not be allowed to transfer into another team during the conference if they had already seen action.
READ: PVL: Several teams interested in the duo Ces Molina and Ria Meneses
Several teams, including Nxled, Capital1 and sister teams Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee, have already inquired about potentially signing Molina and Meneses, but even if they find a new home, they will be able to return to action at the most early during the reinforced conference in July. .
Cignal, who will now rely on Vanie Gandler, Dawn Macandili-Catindig and Gel Cayuna, remained determined to compete despite this sudden exodus.
The HD Spikers finished the year winning four of their first five games. They lost to Petro Gazz last December 18 – the last time they had Molina and Meneses.
New Home for Risa Sato, New Foxies Debut
Risa Sato is now with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the PVL.
Risa Sato, who recently signed with Chery Tiggo, is eligible to play right away since the Filipino-Japanese middle blocker parted ways with Creamline before the season even started.
The same goes for Buding Duremdes, Cignal’s new acquisition, who left Chery Tiggo, but played for HD Spikers last November. Another former Crossover alum, EJ Laure, is also expected to make her debut for Nxled this year after taking her time to adapt to her new team.
There are still no new updates for Eya Laure, who reportedly had a non-compete clause with Chery Tiggo, after requesting a contract buyout.
In case the former UST star gets cleared and joins a new team, she would still be eligible to play in the All-Filipino since the Crossovers did not list her on their roster.
Sato, who won 10 titles with Creamline, is expected to strengthen Chery Tiggo after winning four of their six matches amid the exit of Laures and Duremdes and the absence of Mylène Paat.
Farm Fresh also expects the return of Rachel Anne Daquis and injured players Jolina Dela Cruz and Lorene Toring. Coach Benson Bocboc announced that the trio had been cleared to play this month, helping the Trisha Tubu-led team after a 2-3 record last December.
Current PVL ranking
Alyssa Valdez and the Creamline Cool Smashers at the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Creamline and Petro Gazz were the hottest teams in the tournament before the break. The Cool Smashers, led by a once again in-form Alyssa Valdez, won all of their first four games, while the Angels have won four straight to go 5-1 at the top of the league with Brooke Van Sickle proving why she is last year’s MVP and Myla Pablo flaunting it. recurrence.
Outside the top four is No. 5 PLDT, which lost consecutive matches to finish 2024 with a 3-2 record, followed by Akari and Choco Mucho 3-3. New ZUS Coffee and Farm Fresh are tied at 2-3, followed by fellow lottery teams Capital1 (1-4) and Galeries Tower (1-5). Nxled lost all of its first five matches.
READ: PVL: Creamline escapes tough ZUS Coffee challenge to remain undefeated
All teams finished their training on December 23 and returned to action on January 3, preparing for a more intense and demanding tournament, where a qualifying round, play-ins and a quarter final await them. final.
Expect fireworks when the All-Filipino resumes on Saturday with the grudge match between Akari and PLDT highlighting an explosive triple header at the Philsports Arena.
The High Speed Hitters and Chargers, who competed in an intense five-set semifinal highlighted by a controversial clean-fault challenge, face each other for the first time at 6:30 p.m. since August of last year.
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Winless Farm Fresh and Nxled reopen the season at 1:30 p.m., followed by the duel of former national beach volleyball team partners Sisi Rondina of Choco Mucho and Jovelyn Gonzaga of ZUS Coffee at 4 p.m.
