The Flying Titans, Angels, Crossovers, and Solar Spikers prepare themselves for what will be a competitive 2024-2025 PVL season. | Photos (c) RM Chua/One Sports, Art by Mitzi Solano/One Sports
A fresh start is in the offing for many PVL teams after a grueling battle last season.
Several notable contending teams in past conferences and seasons struggled without their superstars due to injuries or Alas Pilipinas duties.
Here’s a quick review and outlook of PVL teams looking to bounce back from a tough season.
Choco Mucho Flying Titans
2024 All-Filipino Conference: Runner-up
2024 Reinforced Conference: 9th place
2024 Invitational Conference: Did not qualify
From their runner-up finish in the 2024 All-Filipino Conference, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans saw themselves struggling without superstar Sisi Rondina, who was part of Alas Women’s impressive campaigns in international tournaments.
Without the Cherry Bomb, the Flying Titans finished ninth in the Reinforced Conference and failed to make the quarterfinals.
But with Rondina back in the mix and Choco Mucho’s other injured stars slowly making their way back, another deep run could be in the cards for the Dante Alinsunurin-led squad.
Petro Gazz Angels
2024 All-Filipino Conference: 3rd place
2024 Reinforced Conference: 6th place
2024 Invitational Conference: Did not qualify
Known as the title favorites in the Reinforced Conference, the Angels fell with an early quarterfinals exit against the eventual champions, Creamline Cool Smashers.
With a talented roster, Petro Gazz will look to bounce back immediately and get back on track with its title aspirations.
This offseason should also help the team gel further with Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara.
2024 All-Filipino Conference: 4th place
2024 Reinforced Conference: 5th place
2024 Invitational Conference: Did not qualify
Another team that seemingly struggled without its superstars is the Crossovers.
Without Eya Laure and Jen Nierva, Chery Tiggo lacked that extra firepower and additional defense to get over the hump in the Reinforced Conference, even with the fiery performances of import Khat Bell.
The Crossovers have already begun retooling after tapping former NU Lady Bulldogs coach Norman Miguel to lead the squad, replacing Kungfu Reyes at the helm.
Miguel has experience coaching several players on the Chery Tiggo squad—and only time will tell if this was indeed the right move for the young and talented team.
Capital1 Solar Spikers
2024 All-Filipino Conference: 11th place
2024 Reinforced Conference: 7th place
2024 Invitational Conference: Did not qualify
The Solar Spikers’ biggest question heading into the new PVL season is how to fill the huge void left by import Marina Tushova.
The Russian import broke the PVL scoring record thrice in the Reinforced Conference and led Capital1 to its first playoff appearance.
