Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors, Perlas Spikers take leave of absence from PVL

Two clubs have announced that they are taking a leave of absence for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2022 season which is slated for kickoff on February 16.

The league on Tuesday said that both the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors and the Perlas Spikers have decided not to participate this season due to the uncertainties brought by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"It was a heavy decision that the company had to make but the ongoing pandemic has brought about a lot of uncertainties," said Sta. Lucia team manager Buddy Encarnado in a statement released on the league's website.

After its transfer to PVL from the Philippine Superliga (PSL) last year, the Lady Realtors finished the 2021 PVL Open Conference at fifth place with veterans Mika Reyes, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, and Jonah Sabete leading the squad.

Meanwhile, Perlas also pointed to the pandemic as the reason for its leave.

"We regret to inform everyone that, with the ongoing pandemic, the Perlas management has decided to take a leave of absence in the upcoming PVL tournament," said Perlas in a statement.

Thank you sa pag laban kasama ng Perlas Spikers!

Good luck to all participating teams!

See you again soon. ???????? #AgreeAgree #YouAlreadyKnow #ToughLikeAPEARLpaRin #PearlPower #PerlasPride pic.twitter.com/EjUUnLiGll

— Perlas Spikers (@PerlasSpikers) January 11, 2022

"We wish the tournament well and we continue to support the growth of Philippine volleyball."

Perlas saw a tumultuous campaign last season after several of its members and a coach contracted the virus which then prompted the PVL to postpone the team's games.

Perlas wrapped up the season at the cellar, finishing at the ninth spot with a 1-8 win-loss card.

—JMB, GMA News