PVL 2024 Al-Filipino Conference Primer (Part 1)

Akari Chargers

Akari brings back it's core which includes Faith Nisperos, Michelle Cobb, Fifi Sharma, as well as veterans Dindin Santiago-Manabat, and Bang Pineda.

New to the team are Gretchel Soltones and Ced Domingo (who just won a championship playing as an import in the Volleyball Thailand league). Max Juangco also joined recently as Justine Jazareno will be sitting out for some time.

Raffy Mosuela also takes over the interim head coach.

The Chargers are looking to improve on their 7th-place finish last conference and they seem to be getting the right pieces for this.

*Photo from Capital 1 Power Spikers FB Page

Capital 1 Solar Spikers

One of the new teams this year, the Solar Spikers is coached by Roger Gorayeb and will have a mix of young ones and veterans including Jorelle Singh, Janine Navarro, Des Clemente, Heather Guino-o, Jel Quizon, and Ja Lana.

While they probably won’t compete for the title just yet, the Solar Spikers are on looking to gain chemistry and experience, and perhaps pull a few surprises.

Chery Tiggo Crossovers

The Crossovers’ relatively young squad gets a veteran boost after acquiring Ara Galang and Aby Marano from the now disbanded F2 Logistics Cargomovers.

Chery Tiggo will still have Mylene Paat, Alina Bicar, Buding Duremdes, EJ and Eya Laure, Jen Nierva, Ponggay Gaston, Joyme Cagande, and Princess Robles.

After finishing 4th last conference, the Crossovers are looking to build on the experience they gained last year and continue their rise to the top.

Choco Mucho Flying Titans

Last conference's first runner-up is on the rise.

The Flying Titans lost team captain Bea De Leon, libero Den Den Lazaro-Revilla, and opposite hitter Caitlin Viray, but they also beefed up their line-up by by signing setter Mars Alba, spiker Royse Tubino, and libero Bia General.

Sisi Rondina has been explosive, already getting reacquainted with the indoor court, and winning last conference’s Most Valuable Player award. Thang Ponce has done well on defense, getting recognized as the Best Libero.

Choco Mucho’s retooled roster is looking to battle it out for the title once again.

Cignal HD Spikers

The Cignal HD Spikers made one of the biggest splash in the offseason after signing libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig and Jov Fernandez, previously of the now disbanded F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.

Catindig shares the libero post with Jheck Dionela, making them one of the best libero duos in the league.

Ces Molina, Riri Meneses and Gel Cayuna banner the squad together with Vanie Gandler who continues her rise in the pros.

Despite still not having Rachel Anne Daquis back, the HD Spikers are looking to do better than their back-to-back 3rd place finish in the last two conferences.

Creamline Cool Smashers

The champions of the last two All-Filipino conferences got a boost in the off season after getting Bea De Leon and Den Den Lazaro - Revilla from sister team Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

The Coolsmashers remain very formidable with an intact core - including Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, Michelle Gumabao, Pangs Panaga, Kyla Atienza, and Risa Sato. Kyle Negrito has also filled in well for Jia Morado, who is currently competing in the Japan V League.

It'll be up to the other teams to show what they’ve got as the title is still Creamline's to lose.