MANILA – Eight teams will battle it all out to be the new champion of the 2018 Premiere Volleyball League Open Conference when the tournament opens it curtains on Sept. 22.
With the reigning champs BaliPure skipping this conference, the Creamline Cool Smashers are easily the favorite to win as they look to add another trophy under their belt after ruling the PVL Reinforced Conference in July.
The Cool Smashers will be headed by none other than national team players Alyssa Valdez, Jia Morado, Risa Sato, Jema Galanza, and Mel Gohing.
But the Valdez-led squad’s hike will be weathered by seven other teams who are also hungry for glory.
After losing their Reinforced title, the Pocari-Air Force Lady Warriors return to improve their bridesmaid finish last year while the BanKo Perlas Spikers, who finished third in the import-flavored conference, are also a heavy contender.
Not to be outdone, the much-experienced PetroGazz, Tacloban and Iriga shoot for their first-ever championship after a gallant stand in the Reinforced conference.
Two collegiate teams will test their mettle with Adamson and Ateneo joining the turf as part of their UAAP preparation.
After an impressive stint in the Collegiate Conference, Adamson will parade the same lineup while Ateneo, which skipped the collegiate tourney, will return to the league with its newest coach Oliver Almadro. (Fox Sports Asia)
