Reinforced conference starts

MANILA, Philippines - The Premier Volleyball League fires off today with an explosive triple-bill tipped to set the tone for another thrilling opening-season conference among the country’s best and brightest players at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

The Reinforced Conference promises to go the way the previous editions of the country’s longest, biggest league were held – marked by top-notch action and unpredictability with a level playing field.The top four at the end of the double round eliminations advance to the best-of-three semis. The finals is also a best-of-three duel.

A look at the teams.

Creamline

Creamline targets modest goals in its first foray in the league, striving to become a competitive team while aiming for at least a semifinal slot.

“Every team wants to be winners and champions but we manage our expectations. We are a new team so maybe we’ll try to make it to the semis first and from there we’ll see our chance to be in the finals,” said Cool Smashers assistant coach Oliver Almadro.

“As of now, our goal is to show that Creamline is one of the teams to beat and that even if we are new, we are a very competitive team.”

Almadro serves as deputy to chief tactician Tai Bundit in a tandem which hopes that their championship resume with Ateneo would rub off with the Cool Smashers.

Almadro is the mentor of the three-peat seeking Blue Eagles in the UAAP while Bundit steered the Lady Eagles to two titles in the same league.

Though all eyes are on superstar Alyssa Valdez in leading Creamline, the former Ateneo hotshot who suited up for 3BB Nakornnont in the Thai League downplayed her role in the team.

“It’s not just me but all of us becoming leaders inside the court. If I do lead them, it’s because they are leading me also. We are helping each other. I learn from them and listen to our veterans also,” said Valdez.

The Cool Smashers are  reinforced by American Laura Schaudt and Kuttika Kaewpin.

Pocari Sweat

Pocari Sweat wants to brush off complacency as it jumpstarts its title retention drive.

After a successful debut last season which also saw the squad snare the Open Conference diadem, the Lady Warriors boost their preparations knowing that all the other teams are out to halt their surge.

“We are making sure that we don’t relax in practice because that’s where we will get our rhythm. We know that everybody’s going to be after us,” said Pocari head coach Rommel Abella.

“We’re going to take it one game at a time. Hopefully, we’ll make it to the championship which is our ultimate aim.”

The Lady Warriors will sorely miss the services of former skipper and Reinforced Conference Finals MVP Michele Gumabao, who joined another league, but Abella expects all the other players to step up and fill in the void.

“Michele is a big loss for the team, especially her leadership. But of course, Mel (Gohing) and Myla (Pablo) are still there. I expect everybody to chip in as they have been leaders with their collegiate teams also,” said Abella.

Pablo, Gohing, Jessey de Leon, Gyzel Sy, Fille Cainglet-Cayetano, Shola Alvarez and Jeanette Panaga, former stars of their respective schools in the UAAP and NCAA, will banner Pocari which will have 6-3 middle blocker Edina Selimovic from Bosnia and American Michelle Strizak, a 6-1 outside hitter, as reinforcements.

Balipure

Taking over the coaching reins for the BaliPure Water Defenders, multi-titled Roger Gorayeb expects a tough fight from all six teams. “Our goal right now is to enter the top four first. Of course every team would love to wind up on top after the eliminations but looking at all the teams, whatever rank you get in the semis, you are not assured of the finals. It will be a close contest,” said Gorayeb.

Gorayeb gathered his National University and San Sebastian charges in forming the BaliPure core, but the team has yet to jell with reinforcements American Jennifer Keddy, who arrived early morning Thursday, and returning Thai Jaroensri Bualee who is expected to arrive last night.

Three-time NCAA MVP Grethcel Soltones, Jasmine Nabor, Jorelle Singh, Risa Sato and Aiko Urdas will lead the BaliPure charge, with defensive specialists Alyssa Eroa and Lizlee Pantone serving as the team’s edge, according to Gorayeb.

Perlas

Perlas guns to work as a cohesive unit for a successful maiden stint.

“Our main goal for this season is to be able to work together seamlessly, as best as we can. Once we work more as a team, I believe that we have the potential to reach the semis and the finals,” said team manager Charo Soriano.

Heading the Spikers crew are former Ateneo stars Amy Ahomiro, Dzi Gervacio, Ella De Jesus and Jem Ferrer, veterans Sue Roces and Sasa Devanadera, and University of the Philippines aces Kathy Bersola and Nicole Tiamzon, who have just wrapped up their stint with the Lady Maroons and will be mentored once again by college coach Jerry Yee.

Backstopping Perlas are Brazilian outside hitter Rupia Inck and Japanese setter Naoko Hashimito.

Air Force

Philippine Air Force will rely on lone import Patcharee Saengmuang as it targets a semis stint.

Thai Saengmuang will backstop a Lady Jet Spikers crew built around Wendy Semana, Joy Cases, Jocemer Tapic, Iari Yongco and May Ann Pantino.

“We will aim for the top four first. It’s hard to target the finals at once because the teams are very competitive and we only have one import,” said Air Force head coach Jasper Jimenez.

The Lady Jet Spikers look to improve on their dismal showing in the same conference last season where they only won two of their seven assignments to get booted out of semis contention after a runner-up finish in the Open Conference.

But Air Force is drawing confidence from that import-less stint where they were able to pull the rug from under American-backed Pocari Sweat in the eliminations.

“It’s an advantage for those who have two reinforcements. But we are expecting it already. Last conference, we were able to defeat eventual champion Pocari in the elims sans imports,” said Jimenez.

Jimenez added that the Lady Jet Spikers will bank on their defense and teamwork as they kickstart their campaign against Bali Pure at 2 p.m.

Power Smashers

The Power Smashers will have Thai imports Amporn Hyapha and Kannika Thipachot in tow as they aim for at least a semifinal finish.

Hyapha and Thipachot, who played for Power Smashers head coach Nes Pamilar’s previous team, Cagayan Valley, are expected to carry the load for the team in atoning for a disappointing campaign in the same conference last season where they wound up at the bottom half of the standings with only two wins against five losses after parading an all-Filipino lineup. 

“Last Reinforced Conference, we didn’t have an import. This time, we already have reinforcements so I guess they will help greatly in achieving our goal,” said Pamilar.

“We hope to make it to the Final Four and from there, we will see what we can do until we reach the finals. We’ll take it one game at a time.”

But Pamilar emphasized that they must not rely heavily on their reinforcements as he called on his local crew, headed by Jovielyn Prado of Arellano and University of Santo Tomas’ Dimdim Pacres and Alina Bicar, to step up.

“Our imports will encourage the other players to work hard. But I told them that we must not rely heavily on our reinforcements. The locals must also contribute,” said Pamilar.