SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024-2025

MANILA, Philippines — The departure of key players and the looming appearance of recruits for their new teams have added fuel to the anticipation for the resumption of the  PVL All-Filipino Conference on January 18.

One of the biggest news that welcomed the new year was the pair of Ces Molina and Ria Meneses leaving Cignal after their contracts expired at the end of December.

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Just when teams were returning from the holiday break,  Molina and Meneses made a shocking announcement that had decided to part ways with the HD Spikers during the ongoing season — an unprecedented situation for a PVL team in the league’s pro era.

The pair didn’t disclose the reason for their departure but Cignal, which they had led to a pair of runner-up finishes and five bronze medals, said that both Molina and Meneses failed to respond to extension offers.

After leaving the Cignal HD Spikers, Ria Meneses and Ces Molina could be headed to a new PVL team. –PVL FILE PHOTOS

While the main reason for their departure was to pursue overseas offers, in case Molina and Meneses find new teams in the PVL they won’t be able to suit up in the ongoing All-Filipino tournament.

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Even before the season started, PVL Commissioner Sherwin Malonzo said he encouraged the teams not to put players with expiring contracts in the lineup since they would not be allowed to transfer to another team during the conference if they had already seen action.

READ: PVL: Several teams interested in Ces Molina and Ria Meneses pair

Several teams including Nxled, Capital1, and sister teams Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee have already inquired about the possible signing of both Molina and Meneses but even if they find a new home, the earliest they can return to action will be the Reinforced Conference in July.

Cignal, which will now bank on Vanie Gandler, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, and Gel Cayuna, remained committed to competing amid the sudden exodus.

The HD Spikers ended the year, winning four of their first five games. They lost to Petro Gazz last December 18 — the last time they had Molina and Meneses.

New home for Risa Sato, debut of new Foxies

Risa Sato is now with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the PVL.

Risa Sato, who recently signed with, Chery Tiggo, meanwhile is eligible to play right away  since the Filipino-Japanese middle blocker parted ways with Creamline even before the season started.

The same applies to Cignal’s new acquisition Buding Duremdes, who left Chery Tiggo, but played for the HD Spikers last November. Another former Crossover EJ Laure is also set to debut for Nxled this year after taking her time in adjusting to her new squad.

There are still  no new updates for Eya Laure, who reportedly had a non-compete clause with Chery Tiggo, after she requested a contract buyout.

In case the former UST star gets a clearance and joins a new team, she is still eligible to play in the All-Filipino since the Crossovers didn’t list her in their line-up.

Sato, who won 10 titles with Creamline, is expected to boost Chery Tiggo after winning four of their six games amid the exit of the Laures and Duremdes and the absence of Mylene Paat.

Farm Fresh is also expecting the return of Rachel Anne Daquis and injured players Jolina Dela Cruz and Lorene Toring. Coach Benson Bocboc announced that the trio got the clearance to play this month, helping the Trisha Tubu-led squad after a 2-3 record last December.

Current PVL standings

Alyssa Valdez and the Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Creamline and Petro Gazz were the hottest teams of the tournament before the break. The Cool Smashers, led by fit again Alyssa Valdez, won all of their first four games, while the Angels won four straight games for a league-leading 5-1 record with Brooke Van Sickle proving why she’s last year’s MVP and Myla Pablo flaunting her resurgence.

Outside the top four is No.5 PLDT, which lost back-to-back matches to end 2024 with a 3-2 record, followed by the 3-3 Akari and Choco Mucho. The new-look ZUS Coffee and Farm Fresh are tied at 2-3, followed by fellow lottery teams Capital1 (1-4) and Galeries Tower (1-5). Nxled lost all of its first five games.

READ: PVL: Creamline escapes tough ZUS Coffee challenge to stay unbeaten

All the teams ended their training last December 23 and returned to action as early as January 3, bracing for a more intense and challenging tournament, where a qualifying round, play-in, and quarterfinal round await.

Expect fireworks on the All-Filipino’s resumption on Saturday with the grudge match between Akari and PLDT highlighting an explosive triple header at Philsports Arena.

The High Speed Hitters and Chargers, who figured in an intense five-set Reinforced semifinal match marred with a controversial net fault challenge, clash for the first time at 6:30 p.m.since August last year.

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Farm Fresh and the winless Nxled reopen the season at 1:30 p.m., followed by the duel of former national beach volleyball team partners Sisi Rondina of Choco Mucho and Jovelyn Gonzaga of ZUS Coffee at 4 p.m.