OPTIMISTIC. Seasoned coach Sammy Acaylar hopes he can also help the Gerflor Defenders to a better finish in the PVL All-Filipino Conference, which was formally launched in a press conference at the Discovery Suites on Wednesday (Oct. 11, 2023). He is the multi-titled coach of the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas. (PVL photo)
MANILA – Veteran coach Sammy Acaylar is optimistic that the Gerflor Defenders can make a good impression in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Second All-Filipino Conference which will kick off on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Gerflor will square off with newcomer Nxled in the first game at 3 p.m. Other matches will pit sister teams PLDT and Cignal at 5 p.m. and Choco Mucho against Creamline at 7 p.m.
"We have a good combination. We have a good service and floor defense," said Acaylar during a press conference at the Discovery Suites on Wednesday.
Libero Pia Sarmiento, who played for the Lyceum Lady Pirates, will lead the fight for Gerflor, which debuted in the Invitational Conference.
"I have faith in my players, they will do their best in every game," said Acaylar, coach of the multi-titled Perpetual Altas in the NCAA.
"We are looking forward to an exciting conference. Hopefully, what we have practiced will produce good results," said Acaylar, assistant to Emil Lontok who steered the national women's team to the 1993 SEA Games gold medal.
A total of 12 teams are competing in the season-ending conference supported by Mikasa, BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, SMART, Rebisco, Milcu, Kumu, Asics and SportRadar.
"We are incredibly proud to present the biggest PVL tournament yet, featuring 12 teams. This season's All-Filipino Conference is a testament to the league's continuous growth and the unwavering support of our fans. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of volleyball competition in the country and this tournament will undoubtedly deliver on that promise," said PVL and Sports Vision president Ricky Palou in a statement.
Tournament format is a single round-robin elimination with the top four advancing to the semifinals with the top-seeded team and the second-ranked squad taking on the third and fourth-placed squad, respectively, in a best-of-three series. The winners will dispute the championship in a best-of-three playoff.
Meanwhile, Pilipinas Live will air the games live, bringing the much-hyped and anticipated action to Filipinos and audiences abroad.
The platform will provide fans with an immersive and convenient way to follow their teams and volley stars throughout the conference, giving everyone additional content on top of what they usually see in the usual broadcast of the games.
The games will also be telecast on PVL.ph, One Sports, One Sports+, and SMART Livestream app. (PNA)
