TRADITIONAL contenders PLDT, Cignal, PetroGazz and Chery Tiggo are ready to launch their 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaigns, with each team charting its own path to a title run as they prepare for the season’s challenges.

The league’s highly anticipated conference kicks off tomorrow at the Philsports Arena, a six-month grinds expected to be filled with drama, suspense and unpredictable outcomes from all 12 clubs.

The High Speed Hitters, the HD Spikers, the Angels and the Crossovers are taking varied approaches to this extended season, with some retaining their core players while others adapt to key roster changes.

PLDT and PetroGazz are moving forward with largely untouched lineups, counting on a stable roster to give them an edge.

In contrast, Cignal and Chery Tiggo have had to recalibrate after losing some of their key players to other teams during the off-season.

The return of Fil-Canadian hitter Savi Davison after missing the Reinforced Conference will boost the High Speed Hitters.

PLDT’s season opener will be against Nxled on Nov. 12 and with Davison back, the club definitely got added depth and firepower which was sorely lacking the last time out.

The Angels anticipate the comeback of MJ Phillips to bolster their middle.

PetroGazz will face last season’s runner-up Choco Mucho in the second match on opening day.

The Angels, still looking for their first-ever All-Filipino crown, are optimistic about building on team chemistry, which Phillips believes has only strengthened.

“Chemistry is always very important, and being with them, with no changes, is a great thing. I’m just very excited about this conference,” said Phillips.

The High Speed Hitters, on the other hand, are focused on steady growth, especially after narrowly missing a Finals appearance in the last Reinforced conference.

“Sa improvement kami naka-focus naman lagi. So kung nag-i-improve kami, umaangat yung standing kahit papaano,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort, noting their commitment to maintaining consistent progress throughout the tournament.

Meanwhile, Cignal and Chery Tiggo are adjusting after significant roster turnovers.

Cignal enters the season without the influential presence of Rachel Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga, who have transferred to Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee, respectively.

The HD Spikers have also lost Chin Basas, Gen Casugod, Jheck Dionela and Chai Troncoso, thus leaving the team with just 11 players in the roster.

However, Cignal captain Ces Molina remains undaunted, saying: “Kahit ganon lang yung lineup namin, nandoon pa rin naman yung core ng team. Now, coach (Shaq delos Santos) is pushing us to elevate our skills in training.”

The HD Spikers start their season against the Foxies, with Daquis and Gonzaga playing against their former team for the first time on Nov. 16.

The Crossovers are also undergoing a transformation after the departure of EJ Laure and libero Buding Duremdes. Eya Laure’s status with Chery Tiggo, meanwhile, remains hanging in the balance.

But new coach Norman Miguel sees this as an opportunity for other players to step up and show their individual talents.

“It’s about time na yung individuality namin mailabas namin yan, yung character nila. Magtutulungan and really put their best foot forward sa bawat training,” Miguel said.

Chery Tiggo opens their season against Capital1 on Nov. 12.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado