The Premier Volleyball League on Tour’s top four squads are set to face stiff international competition as the Invitational Conference kicks off later on Thursday, welcoming Japanese teams Kurashiki and Kobe Shinwa University.
The Invitational Conference opens on August 21 at the Philsports Arena, with Cignal clashing against defending champions Creamline at 4:00 PM, followed by PLDT taking on Chery Tiggo at 6:30 PM.
Kurashiki returns for its third consecutive Invitational appearance, having captured the title in 2023.
Last year, the Ablaze secured third place, while the Cool Smashers edged out HD Spikers in the final.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Kobe Shinwa University makes its league debut, having originally planned to join the 2022 edition but withdrawing due to COVID-19 concerns in Japan.
The Japanese squads will face off in their opening match on Saturday, August 23, at 4:00 PM at the Philsports Arena.
The elimination round will follow a single round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to a one-game final scheduled for August 31 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The battle for third place will be held immediately before the championship match.
Back in the PVL on Tour, the one-game final between the High Speed Hitters and the Crossovers will be played on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena at 6:30 PM.
The bronze match between the Cool Smashers and HD Spikers will kick off the day’s action at 4:00 PM.
