Filipino volleyball fans are in for some top-class Asian volleyball action.
The Philippines is set to host the 2022 PNVF AVC Cup for Women starting on Sunday up to August 29 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The PVL Invitational Conference champions Creamline Cool Smashers will step up to represent the country in the nine-team competition pitting some of the best teams in Asia. The Philippines is part of a tough Group A that includes five-time champion and reigning titleholder China, South Korea, Iran, and Vietnam.
The other group sees Thailand, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Australia jockey up for positions for the next round.
The Philippines, led by two-time PVL MVP Tots Carlos, will take on Southeast Asian rivals Vietnam in the final game of the opening day triple-header at 7 p.m.
“What’s good about our team is that we are one professional team, and we’ve been selected after we won the championship in our local tournament, so I think we’ve already jelled. We know each other and I think that’s our biggest advantage,” said Philippines’ opposite hitter Michele Gumabao shared in the press conference held at Discovery Suites.
“But our team is considered a young team in terms of international competition and just like any other team, we had a couple of setbacks due to health reasons. But we’re very positive and just like everyone, we’ll do our best and have fun.”
China will open their title-retention bid against familiar foes South Korea for the tournament’s curtain-raiser at 1 p.m., then Japan and Thailand open Group B action at 4 p.m.
Chinese Taipei and Australia will both make their debuts the following day against Japan and Thailand at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.
The event is presented by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, the Philippine Sports Commission, SMM Sports, Rebisco, est Cola, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, PP Shop, PLDT, Cignal, Cignal Play, Senoh, Grand Sport, One Sports, Mikasa, Gerflor, Akari, I Love Taguig.
