The Philippines will be well-represented in the upcoming AVC Women’s Champions League, with Premier Volleyball League powerhouse teams Creamline and Petro Gazz set to battle some of the best clubs in the region.
PVL president and Philippine National Volleyball Federation vice president Ricky Palou confirmed the participation of the country’s top two squads after the preliminary round of the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference. Initially, only the tournament champion was set to represent the country. However, as host nation, the Philippines is allowed to field two teams in the prestigious competition, which will take place from April 20 to 27 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The competition, formerly known as the Asian Club Championship, was initially slated to be held in South Korea, then later moved to Vietnam, before ultimately being assigned to the Philippines due to time constraints.
The Cool Smashers and the Angels both dominated the PVL preliminaries with identical 10-1 records, proving their elite status in Philippine volleyball.
Creamline, led by the dynamic Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Bernadeth Pons, Alyssa Valdez, Michele Gumabao and playmaker Kyle Negrito, boasts one of the most formidable rosters in the region. Their chemistry, experience and offensive firepower will be key assets in their campaign against top Asian clubs.
Meanwhile, Petro Gazz brings its own brand of firepower with Filipino-American standouts Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips. However, due to their status under USA Volleyball, both players are considered reinforcements, leaving the Angels with one remaining import slot. The addition of a high-caliber foreign player could further solidify their championship aspirations.
The tournament draw will take place on March 12 in Bangkok, Thailand, meaning both teams need to finalize their rosters soon.
“The AVC called us and said they need the teams right away because of the draw,” said Palou.
While it remains to be seen whether Creamline will maximize its three-import allocation, Petro Gazz is already strategizing its reinforcement choices to complement its strong local core and naturalized talent.
With the AVC Women’s Champions League bringing together 12 elite teams from across Asia, this tournament presents an incredible opportunity for Creamline and Petro Gazz to showcase Philippine volleyball on an international stage. Their combination of skill, experience and teamwork makes them strong contenders to make deep runs in the tournament.
As the PVL and PNVF take charge of organizing the event, all eyes will be on the country’s top teams as they prepare to go head-to-head with Asia’s best. With powerhouse rosters and elite-level preparation, the Cool Smashers and the Angels are ready to make waves in the region’s premier club championship.