MANILA, Philippines—Volleyball action gets even better as innovations mark the new Philippine Superliga (PSL) season.
Two beach volleyball competitions, a battle of champions and provincial games will be among the highlights in the PSL calendar this year.
“This is our way of giving back to volleyball fans who never get tired of supporting the development and improvement of the sport in the country,” said PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.
Action heads to the sandcourts for the first time when the league stages the Beach Volley Summer Challenge Cup from June 5 to 7 and the Beach Volley Open Series from Aug. 28 to Oct. 11.
A Women’s Champions League from Aug. 15 to 22 will also be a first as it pits the reigning champions in the PSL, Shakey’s V-League, UAAP and NCAA.
“This is a good sign that the sport’s four major stakeholders are cooperating,” said Suzara. “This is for the betterment of Philippine volleyball.”
The country’s first interclub league unfolds with a two-day draft camp on March 6 and 7 before the draft day on March 11, where Ateneo’s Denden Lazaro, Adamson’s Amanda Villanueva and University of Santo Tomas’ Pam Lastimosa have been tabbed as top picks.
Returning teams Petron, Foton, Philips Gold (formerly Mane ‘N Tail), Cignal and at least two new teams get going in the PSL All-Filipino Conference on March 21.
By the third week of April, action heads to Quezon province for a double-header.
“We’re trying to reach out to as many fans as possible,” said Suzara. “That’s why we’re making sure that we hold “Spike on Tour” in places with vibrant sports program like Quezon province.”
Aside from the games at Quezon Convention Center, some of the side events include a meet-and-greet, an outreach program, a volleyball clinic and a men’s exhibition m atch.
The league will also be at the forefront of the country’s international campaigns as men’s titlist Cignal sees action in the Asian Men’s Club Championship from Aug. 13 to 21 in Taipei, while women’s champion Petron battles in the Asian Women’s Club Championship from Sept. 12 to 20 in Vietnam.