Player movements spice up PVL

The Premier Volleyball League is elated with the offseason player movements and developments that stirred more interest in the 2024 season starting next month.

Even with still a month leading into the 17 February opening day, local volleyball fans have already been raving about high-profile transfers and signings that will surely add spice to the competition.

PVL president Ricky Palou expressed excitement for the coming season as he expects another banner year for the country's first and only professional women's volleyball league in the country.

"We're really surprised, we're happy about these (developments). We're elated, actually," the league official said.

Palou, who is one of the architects who established the first local women's volleyball competition that is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, added that the thrilling arms race will not only level the playing field but will also give clubs a chance to hike their following.

"These movements are great for the teams since these players have a solid fanbase. Wherever they move, they'll bring their followers to that team. This is good for the clubs," he said.

Although the PVL saw the disbandment of F2 Logistics, the Cargo Movers withdrawal opened the gate for the remaining member clubs to race to acquire their players.

Veteran libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig was the first ex-F2 Logistics player to ink a deal after joining Cignal before her former teammates followed suit.

Starter Ivy Lacsina found a new home in Nxled while the veteran duo of Aby Marano and Ara Galang hopped into the Chery Tiggo bus while the troika of Kim Fajardo, Kim Kianna Dy and Majoy Baron went to PLDT.

Myla Pablo, on the other hand, returned to Petro Gazz while youngbloods Jolina dela Cruz and setter Mars Alba transferred to Farm Fresh and Choco Mucho, respectively. Other former Cargo Movers also landed in different teams.

But the biggest and most-talked about movement was the shipping of Choco Mucho's Bea de Leon and Denden Lazaro-Revilla to their sister team powerhouse Creamline, who parted ways with top middle blocker Ced Domingo when she decided to don the Akari jersey.

"Looks like everybody is trying to strengthen their teams. That should be good for the league and help the competition get better. That's great," Palou said.

"I think after F2 Logistics disbanded teams were able to get their hands on these great players. All these movements and recruitments will surely give us great competition for the coming season."

Meanwhile, PVL will also welcome a new team in Strong Group Athletics — sister team of Farm Fresh — as it takes over the embattled Gerflor franchise.

Another club expressed interest in joining the league while PVL will be introducing innovations including a first-ever rookie drafting in the middle of the year which will make the season truly a historic one.