2 foreign teams vie in PVL Invitational

MANILA, Philippines — The Premier Volleyball League Asian Invitational set July 2 will have two foreign teams, including one from Chinese Taipei, testing the nine local squads headed by reigning Open Conference champion Creamline.

“We have one team from Taiwan and still to confirm a second team,” PVL president Ricky Palou yesterday told The STAR.

Apart from the Cool Smashers, all nine local clubs are joining the conference, which will be held for the first time with foreign squads since turning pro last year.

Also joining are Petro Gazz, Choco Mucho, Cignal HD, F2 Logistics, PLDT, Army Black Mamba, Chery Tiggo and BaliPure.

“For now, everybody has confirmed and will join,” said Palou.

Meanwhile, BaliPure manager Gil Cortez confirmed yesterday that their setter Alina Joyce Bicar had joined Chery Tiggo.

Bicar has reunited with newly appointed Crossovers coach Clarence Esteban, a former BaliPure assistant mentor.