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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider Next wave of imports out to make explosive Reinforced debuts

Next wave of imports out to make explosive Reinforced debuts

Published Oct 12, 2025 03:47 pm

At A Glance

  • A new wave of explosive imports takes center stage today as the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference delivers another high-stakes Monday showcase at the Araneta Coliseum.
A new wave of explosive imports takes center stage today as the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference delivers another high-stakes Monday showcase at the Araneta Coliseum.
With the bar already raised by early standout performances, four more international recruits are out to prove they belong in the spotlight – and perhaps, define the shape of the championship race.
Headlining the doubleheader are PLDT’s Russian powerhouse Anastasia Bavykina and Capital1’s Ukrainian spiker Oleksandra Bytsenko, who face off in a compelling 4 p.m. opener. Both imports are making their PVL debuts, looking to not only impress but anchor their teams’ campaign as the league’s year-ending conference kicks into full gear.
A prolific scorer who most recently played for Yenisey Krasnoyarsk in Russia’s Super League, Bavykina brings pedigree and power to the undefeated High Speed Hitters. More than just a high-impact debut, the outside hitter is expected to help sustain PLDT’s winning momentum, following the High Speed Hitters’ back-to-back titles in the PVL On Tour and Invitational, which they won via sweeps.
She won’t be alone, as PLDT boasts a star-studded local cast that includes Kim Dy, Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, Dell Palomata, Jovie Prado, breakout rookie Alleiah Malaluan, and Canadian standout Savi Davison – giving Bavykina a robust support system as she begins her Reinforced journey.
On the other side of the net, Capital1 looks to finally turn the corner after a string of underwhelming performances. The Solar Spikers are banking on Bytsenko, a seasoned attacker with European club credentials, to deliver consistent offense and leadership in place of former import Marina Tushova.
Bytsenko will rely on a promising group of local talents, led by top rookie pick Bella Belen, Leila Cruz, Trisha Genesis and Jorelle Singh, to fuel a team desperate for a breakthrough.
In the 6:30 p.m. main event, two more heralded reinforcements take the floor as Choco Mucho collides with Cignal in what promises to be another high-octane duel.
For the Flying Titans, American high-flyer Anyse Smith brings excitement and scoring potential. The outside hitter turned heads during the AVC Champions League with Thai club Nakhon Ratchasima QminC VC, and now looks to power Choco Mucho’s redemption bid following a 10th-place finish in the On Tour leg.
She joins a deep and hungry Choco Mucho squad eager to bounce back. Veterans Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag are expected to provide leadership and stability, supported by a versatile bench that includes Des Cheng, Isa Molde, Aduke Ogunsanya, Mean Mendrez and Dindin Manabat.
Cignal, meanwhile, has pinned its hopes on 34-year-old Greek veteran Eva Chantava, whose rich playing experience across European and Asian leagues makes her one of the most seasoned imports in the conference backed by Milcu, Mikasa, Fabriano and ICTSI.
Known for her power and poise under pressure, Chantava aims to guide the Super Spikers back to title contention.
Helping her lead the charge are rising star Vanie Gandler, versatile scorer Erika Santos, and an experienced core of Heather Guino-o, Tin Tiamzon and middle blockers Jackie Acuña, Roselyn Aquino, and promising rookie Erin Pangilinan.
With the early breakout of reinforcements such as Eli Rousseaux (38 points for Farm Fresh), Anna DeBeer (37 for ZUS Coffee), and Annie Mitchem (33 for Akari), the pressure is now on today’s batch of debutants to deliver equally explosive numbers.
Their performances didn’t just light up the scoreboard – they also redefined expectations and turned the title race into a wide-open contest, as their teams pulled off stunning upsets over established squads like Nxled, Chery Tiggo and even perennial favorite Creamline.
Now, Bavykina, Bytsenko, Smith and Chantava step into that same spotlight, aiming to not only make noise but prove they can carry their teams through the grind of a Reinforced Conference where every point – and every import – matters.
As always, the locals will play a pivotal role in shaping outcomes, but this Monday’s double-header is all about the imports. And if early signs are any indication, fans are in for another thrilling chapter in this high-octane conference.
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