By NIKOLE JAVIER
Creamline Cool Smashers are set to defend their PVL All-Filipino Conference title as the 2023 season kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Cool Smashers fell short in their grand slam bid after missing out on the Reinforced Conference finals where Petro Gazz Angels emerged victorious over first-time finalists Cignal HD Spikers.
The nine teams will be playing a single round-robin in the eliminations where the top four teams will advance to the semifinals followed by a best-of-three final and battle for third series similar to the prior conference.
To further promote the league all over the country, PVL will also schedule games in the provinces as it sets to revert to its pre-pandemic ways.
“We’ve scheduled a few games to play outside of metro Iloilo, Lucena, Cagayan de Oro. Holding the three games in the provinces as well without affecting the schedule of the teams,” said PVL president Ricky Palou during the tournament’s pre-event press conference on Saturday, Jan. 28, at Discovery Suites Manila in Pasig City.
With the eight other teams undergoing major changes and revamping with players and coach transfers, Creamline will be cashing in on its intact core and chemistry.