MANILA, Philippines — The excitement is palpable as the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League kicks off, featuring three powerhouse teams from the Premier Volleyball League (PVL): Petro Gazz, Creamline, and PLDT. These clubs are not just representing their respective franchises but the entire nation as they take on elite volleyball teams from across Asia. The tournament, which runs from April 20 to April 27, 2025, at the Philsports Arena, promises thrilling matchups and high-level competition.
Creamline, fresh off their dominant performances in the domestic league, has bolstered their roster with some significant signings. The Cool Smashers have enlisted Kazakh middle blocker Anastassiya Kolomoyets, Russian spiker Anastasiya Kudryashova, and the returning American import Erica Staunton. This trio is expected to bring a wealth of experience and skill to the court as they aim to lead the team through the group stages.
Meanwhile, Petro Gazz, coming off a historic title run in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, is looking to carry that momentum into the AVC tournament. The Angels have brought in American outside hitter Gia Day, who stands tall at 6-foot-2 and is making her international debut with the team. Coach Koji Tsuzurabara, who previously led the Chinese Taipei women’s national team, is optimistic about his squad's chances. “It’s a tough group,” Tsuzurabara said, referring to the competitive nature of the tournament. “Taipower is under Chinese Taipei. Some of their players and even the coach were part of my team before. It’s a meaningful matchup for me.”
PLDT has also made strategic moves by signing Cuban veteran Wilma Salas to enhance their lineup. The High Speed Hitters find themselves in a challenging Pool D, competing against Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin C VC and Australia’s Queensland Pirates. Each team will play one match in the group stage, with the top two from each pool advancing to the knockout quarterfinals scheduled for April 24 and 25.
As the tournament gets underway, the match schedules are set, with the first games kicking off on Easter Sunday, April 20. Creamline will face Al Naser Club at 4 PM, while PLDT takes on the Queensland Pirates at 7 PM. On April 21, Petro Gazz will square off against Taipower at 4 PM, followed by another game for Creamline against Zhetsu VC. The tournament continues on April 22, with PLDT playing Nakhon Ratchasima and Petro Gazz facing Hip Hing at 7 PM.
Petro Gazz’s roster is particularly impressive, featuring the talents of All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle and Finals MVP MJ Phillips. Despite being classified as imports due to federation regulations, both players remain instrumental to the team’s success. Van Sickle expressed her eagerness to compete on this new stage, stating, “It’s my first time playing internationally, so I’m looking forward to experiencing a higher level of competition. I want to grow by watching and playing against strong teams.”
Supporting Van Sickle and Phillips are seasoned veterans such as Myla Pablo, Jonah Sabete, and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, who will provide consistent scoring options. The team’s defensive efforts will be bolstered by liberos Baby Love Barbon and Jellie Tempiatura, ensuring a well-rounded approach as they tackle formidable opponents.
The stakes are high as Petro Gazz aims not only to perform well in the AVC tournament but also to secure a spot in the prestigious 2025 FIVB Club World Championship. Only two Asian clubs will advance, and the Angels are determined to raise the Philippine flag on this international stage. Van Sickle emphasized the collective goal: “We want all Philippine clubs—Creamline, PLDT, and us—to succeed. I’ll be cheering for them, too.”
As the Angels prepare for their opening match against Taipower, they carry the hopes of a nation eager to see them shine. The atmosphere at the Philsports Arena is expected to be electric, with fans rallying behind their teams. The tournament not only showcases the talent of these athletes but also highlights the growing importance of volleyball in the Philippines.
With the group stage set to commence, all eyes will be on these PVL teams as they embark on their journey through the AVC Women’s Champions League. The competition promises to be fierce, with each match serving as a testament to the hard work and dedication these athletes have put into their craft. As the tournament unfolds, fans can expect thrilling performances, fierce rivalries, and the emergence of new volleyball stars.
In conclusion, the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League is set to be a landmark event for Philippine volleyball, with Petro Gazz, Creamline, and PLDT ready to make their mark. As the teams prepare to battle it out on the court, the excitement builds for what promises to be an unforgettable week of volleyball.
