National team out as PVL Invitational champion to represent PH in AVC Cup

The Creamline Cool Smashers are currently the top team in the PVL Invitational Conference semifinals. PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine national women’s volleyball team will no longer represent the country in the upcoming Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Cup.

Taking the national team’s place in the continental meet slated from August 21 to 29 at PhilSports Arena will be the champion of the ongoing Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) decided to field the PVL champion instead on Sunday shortly after the national team begged off from competing in the PVL semifinals.

The PNVF, through president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, officially informed NU president Dr. Carlos Ermita Jr. of the development in an email sent on Sunday.

“We are now writing to inform your good office, though with much regret, that we shall be releasing the NU student-athletes and coaches from the National Training Program, effective today [Sunday], 7 August 2022,” the PNVF wrote in its letter.

“We have been compelled to make this difficult yet important decision due to the recent turn of events within the team’s training schedule and corresponding availability. We feel that the said student-athletes and coaches, alongside the team manager Engineer Bing Diet, may not be able to commit to perform at their best level given a number of restrictions and conditions that hinder the continuous conduct of training and overall program.”

The national team pulled out of the PVL semis after National University was reluctant to allow its players to see action in the PVL due to risk of injury.

The Lady Bulldogs, led by UAAP rookie MVP Bella Belen, have a total of 12 players on the 14-member national team released on Saturday.

“However difficult it may have been, please trust that with this decision, we have considered to serve only the best interests and utmost welfare of the student-athletes, the coaches, the university management, the national team program, while keeping aligned with PNVF’s strategic goals as a National Federation, fully responsible and accountable for the sport of volleyball in the Philippines,” PNVF said.

PVL president Ricky Palou and the management of the potential winners of the Invitational Conference have already agreed to lend their players for the AVC Cup.

Creamline, behind Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos, currently leads the standings in the PVL semifinals. The Invitational Conference will end on August 14.