FILE- Bella Belen is expected to play for the national team which has been tapped to compete in the PVL Invitationals. –VOLLEYBALL PH PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Kobe Shinwa Women’s University has withdrawn its participation in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference after one of its players tested positive for COVID-19.
As per the PVL, the player yielded a positive RT-PCR result just before the Japanese team’s flight to the Philippines on Friday.
“The Kobe Shinwa Women’s University told us that they won’t be able to fly to the country last night because one of their players tested positive and the rest of the team were close contacts,” said Sports Vision president Ricky Palou.
The Philippine national team will replace Kobe Shinwa instead.
The Philippine team’s campaign in the PVL semis will also serve as its buildup for the upcoming Asian Volleyball Championship Cup for Women.
“The PNVF has agreed to field in the national squad, replacing the Japanese team, saying it would benefit the national team,” said Palou.
The Philippines is grouped with China, Iran, South Korea, and Vietnam in the continental meet slated from August 21 to 29 at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Taipei KingWhale, the other guest university team in the PVL, meanwhile, arrived Friday morning ahead of its clash with Cignal on Sunday, 2:30 p.m., at Mall of Asia Arena.
In the main game, the Philippine team faces Creamline set at 5:30 p.m.