PNVF names Creamline, Petro Gazz as PH bets for AVC Champions League

Two decorated teams will banner the country's home stand for the AVC Women's Champions League set to run from April 20 to 27 here in the Philippines. 

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) announced the development on Saturday with Creamline and Petro Gazz representing the country in the tournament that will see top-flight Asian volleyball clubs compete for glory. 

Originally, the team that will rule the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference will be hailed as the country's representative to the Champions League. The volleyball body, however, opted to instead send the current top two teams in the conference due to time constraints. 

As the host nation, Philippines was granted the opportunity to field two teams, hence giving the Cool Smashers and the Angels the chance to banner the country's home court bid. 

Creamline and Petro Gazz are both champion clubs. The Cool Smashers are the current winningest team with 10 crowns across their name, including a rare grand slam feat last year. The Angels, meanwhile, hold two Reinforced Conference titles after ruling the 2019 and 2022 editions. 

Both teams have confirmed their participation and can field a maximum of three imports.

Petro Gazz, however, will only have one available slot for a reinforcement as Filipino-American players Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips are considered imports under USA Volleyball. 

The official draw for the Champions League is set on March 12 in Thailand. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News