PVL

Chery Tiggo opens title defense vs Cignal; F2 Logistics debuts with clash with Army

Reigning champion Chery Tiggo will open its title defense against the Cignal HD Spikers when the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) unfurls the 2022 Open Conference on March 16 at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The Crossovers will go up against Cignal at 6 p.m. with the clash between the debuting F2 Logistics and Black Mamba Army serving as the opening salvo at 3 p.m.

Chery Tiggo, who ruled the previous edition against Creamline, is tagged as the heavy favorite in the tournament as the team will be bannered by some of the country's top volleyball players.

Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Mylene Paat, both of whom helped steer Nakhon Ratchasima to a bronze medal in the Volleyball Thailand League, are tipped to suit up. Jaja Santiago's availability, meanwhile, remains uncertain.

Also expected to return are setter Jasmine Nabor, Shaya Adorador, and Maika Ortiz.

Meanwhile, college rivals Alyssa Valdez and Mika Reyes will have an early faceoff as Creamline squares off with PLDT on March 17, Thursday, at 6 p.m. On the same day, Petro Gazz battles BaliPure at 3 p.m.

Choco Mucho, last year's fourth placer, will open its campaign against Army on March 18 followed by the 6 p.m. heavyweight collision of F2 Logistics and Chery Tiggo.

PVL earlier said it will implement a new format from its original three-month schedule. The upcoming Open Conference will now only run for four weeks with the top four teams in Pool A joining the Pool B squads in the quarterfinal stage.

The first and second teams from both pools will also be rewarded with a twice-to-beat incentive.

The shortened tournament will be held in a semi-bubble setup with live spectators still not allowed.

—MGP, GMA News