THE Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference reels off today at the Philsports Arena, featuring an exciting line-up of imports eager to showcase their skills, along with a slew of rookies looking to make their mark in the pros.

While established stars will remain central to each team’s campaign in this mid-season tournament, the spotlight will be also on the reinforcements, the old and the new, as well as those who were selected in the first-ever PVL Draft who are ready to embrace the challenge.

An explosive tripleheader sets the stage, headlined by a 6 p.m. clash between league heavyweights Creamline and PLDT.

Galeries Tower and Nxled kick off hostilities at 2 p.m., followed by the Chery Tiggo-Farm Fresh showdown at 4 p.m.

The conference break saw surprising player movements in both the Cool Smashers and the High Speed Hitters, heightening anticipation for the return of the import-laden conference after it was shelved last year.

Fresh from another All-Filipino Conference conquest, Creamline will miss the services of be star outside hitter Jema Galanza due to Alas Pilipinas commitments.

However, American import Erica Staunton and Fil-Canadian libero Aleiah Torres, the Cool Smashers’ first-round pick, are expected to bolster the club’s offense and defense, respectively.

Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses praised the seamless integration of Staunton, a former player for Northeastern University and the University of Georgia, into the team system as she will join forces with Tots Carlos.

“We made some adjustments. It was a tough time, we just had to import some things, and it all came down to the results of the game,” said Meneses.

On the other side, middle blocker Mika Reyes will fill the void left by Dell Palomata, who is also committed to Alas Pilipinas to lead PLDT’s campaign.

Rookie setter Angge Alcantara, the High Speed Hitters’ first-round selection, is set to back up Kim Fajardo, stepping in for Rhea Dimaculangan, who will miss the tournament.

“We’re playing in one of the middle lock positions. National team player Dell was the only middle blocker in the team after Mika suffered an injury,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort.

It will be the first meeting between the two powerhouse squads after the High Speed Hitters lost to the Cool Smashers via tiebreaker for the fourth and final semis slot in the All-Filipino.

Brazilian import Monique Helena, Roma Joy Doromal, Carly Hernandez and Alyssa Eroa will lead the Highrisers, who have acquired promising rookies Julia Coronel, Jewel Encarnacion, Dodee Batindaan and Daniyan Aying, as well as free agents Roselle Baliton and Shannen Palec during the break.

The Chameleons, who have yet to announce their import, will turn to Lycha Ebon, May Luna and Jho Maraguinot. Nxled is also hoping to have its rookies Lucille Almonte and Razel Aldea together with their new signee Anne Esguerra to integrate in its system right away.

Khat Bell makes her official comeback in Philippine club volleyball for the Crossovers, who are seeking redemption against the Foxies.

Farm Fresh will be led by Colombian Yeny Murillo and rookies Maicah Larroza and Pierre Abellana.