Akari-Cignal showdown spices up PVL Reinforced Conference opening

MANILA, Philippines — The clash between Jorge Souza de Brito and Shaq Delos Santos, the last two Philippine women’s volleyball team coaches, highlight the opening day of the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference as Akari makes its debut against Cignal on Saturday at Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.

The Power Chargers, who are the newest professional volleyball club, battle the two-time bronze medalists, HD Spikers, at 5:30 p.m., after the first match between United Auctioneers-Army and PLDT at 2:30 p.m., marking the import-flavored tournament’s return after three years.

Although they are facing a young and new team, Cignal head coach Delos Santos anticipates a marquee match-up against the current national team coach, who is making his PVL debut and parading three-time Prisilla Rivera of Dominican Republic.

“For sure, it’s going to be a good match. We have to prepare because even they are a young team, you cannot underestimate them. I am sure they will fight all out and give their 100 percent,” said Delos Santos in Filipino.

“They have a very good import, who was an Olympian. We have to be ready and execute well.”

Akari coach Jorge Souza de Brito. –PVL PHOTO

Besides Akari’s seasoned import, De Brito is fielding former UAAP stars Michelle Cobb, Trisha Genesis, Lycha Ebon, and Dani Ravena.

It will be a challenging first PVL game for for the Power Chargers with Cignal beefing ups its already-intact roster, bannered by Ces Molina, Rachel Anne Daquis, Ria Meneses, and Gel Cayuna, by adding American hitter Tai Bierria

“Cignal is a very strong team. They’ve been in third place (for a couple of conferences). I guess it will be a tough game for us because they have really good players,” said De Brito.

It will be an interesting match between the last two national team coaches. But both remained focused on their respective goals this season, with De Brito seeking to prove that their club belongs to the PVL right in their first season.

“We’ve been practicing for two months trying to build a team, a competitive one,” said the former Olympic gold medalist, who also shared that his team is improving day by day and enjoying being part of the league. 

“It’s a challenge for us and also for the players. We’re going to do our best and try to spring some surprises,” he added.

CIgnal coach Shaq Delos Santos huddles up his players during the HD Spikers’ game against the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the 2022 PVL Invitational Conference in San Juan. PVL PHOTO

Delos Santos, who settled for third place in the first two conferences, hopes to finally get over the hump in the season-ending tournament.

“We have to work and push ourselves harder. We have to give our best, 101 percent because this is the last tournament for 2022. It will be better to end the year with better results this time,” said the former Philippine women’s team coach.

“Good thing, our import is slowly adapting to our system. We hope to get more time for her to improve her progress and jell with the locals.”

Meanwhile, Army flaunts Canadian import Laura Condotta against PLDT, which will be led by  Russian Elena Savkina-Samoilenko.

The Lady Troopers, bannered by Jovelyn Gonzaga, and the Mika Reyes-led Power Hitters are also gunning for a better finish this conference after both squads missed the podium for the past two conferences.

Every game counts as only the top four teams of the eliminations will advance to the semifinals round, where another single round-robin will take place to determine the finalist.