THE Premier Volleyball League will launch the six-month All-Filipino Conference today at the Philsports Arena, with defending champion Creamline announcing the parting of ways with its long-time middle blocker Risa Sato on the eve of what could be the longest and most comprehensive tournament in league history.

The Cool Smashers announced yesterday that they have granted Sato an early release from her contract, which is set to expire at the end of the year.

Sato has played Creamline for six years and has been an integral part of the club’s dynastic rule.

After another busy off-season, it’s all systems go for the PVL.

Following the inaugural Rookie Draft, the league has revamped its tournament calendar and introduced an innovative format aligned with the FIVB’s international schedule.

The 12 participating teams are more prepared than ever.

The Cool Smashers, coming off a record four straight titles since the 2023 All-Filipino Conference, remain the team to beat as they gun for a record 11th crown overall.

However, the remaining squads, including those that have struggled in past tournaments, are motivated to reach the playoffs and make a run for the championship.

The conference opens with Akari, fresh from a runner-up finish in the Reinforced Conference, taking on Galeries Tower at 4 p.m.

The Chargers bring a formidable roster, featuring Ivy Lacsina, Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma, complemented by seasoned players like Gretchel Soltones, Ced Domingo and Michelle Cobb.

On the other hand, the Highrisers, with top rookie Julia Coronel, hope to make a statement and improve upon last season’s standing with key players like Grazie Bombita and Jewel Encarnacion.

The 6:30 p.m. match between PetroGazz and Choco Mucho promises to deliver a memorable showdown.

Both teams aim for redemption after they underachieved in the previous conference.

The Flying Titans will miss Maddie Madayag, who is playing overseas.

But Choco Mucho, now fully healthy and Sisi Rondina back from Alas Pilipinas duties, is bolstered by a star-studded roster, including Kat Tolentino, Dindin Manabat and comebacking Des Cheng.

The Angels bring back experienced talents like Remy Palma, Jonah Sabete and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, along with the returning MJ Phillips.

Action resumes on Tuesday, with PLDT taking on Nxled, followed by a Chery Tiggo-Capital1 matchup.

Creamline’s title-retention campaign begins next Saturday against PetroGazz in another chapter of their rivalry.

The All-Filipino conference features a distinctive format. After the preliminary round, teams will be ranked 1 to 12. In the qualifying round, the top-ranked teams will face the lowest-ranked teams for a chance to advance to the playoffs.

Losing teams will enter a play-in tournament for another opportunity to progress.

The quarterfinals will feature a best-of-three series, while the semifinals will follow a round-robin format with a tiebreaker if needed.

The championship series will also be a best-of-three showdown.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado