Valdez-powered Creamline faces PetroGazz

Games Today (The Arena, San Juan City) 2 p.m. – Tacloban vs PayMaya 4 p.m. – Creamline vs PetroGazz

Fancied Creamline starts its title campaign today against debuting PetroGazz when the 2018 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference fires off at The Arena in San Juan City.

Match is at 4 p.m. after Tacloban and PayMaya raise the curtain in the 2 p.m. opener.

Eyes, however, are on the Creamline Cool Smashers as they boast of a talent-laden lineup spearheaded by superstar Alyssa Valdez.

Having played in foreign club teams in Thailand and Chinese Taipei, the 5-foot-9 outside hitter is expected to be the heart and soul of Creamline due to her offensive prowess and smart plays.

Add the fact that she will also reunite with versatile Jia Morado, her collegiate teammate with the Ateneo Lady Eagles, the Cool Smashers will be a force to reckon with.

Beefing up Creamline are collegiate power hitters Jema Galanza and Risa Sato, as well as talented libero Melissa Gohing.

Serbian middle blocker Niko- lina Asceric and Thai opposite spiker Kuttika Kaewpin also add strength to the squad.

PetroGazz, however, is unfazed when it parades a composition of former La Salle and College of St. Benilde standouts anchored on Paneng Mercado, Wensh Tiu, Ranya Musa and Rachel Austero.

It also has Kai Nepomuceno, veteran setter Chie Saet and foreign reinforcements Anastasiia Trach and Kadi Kullerkann.

Meanwhile, three-time NCAA Most Valuable Player Grethcel Soltones leads PayMaya under coach Roger Gorayeb. Teaming up with Soltones are libero Tatan Pantone, setter Jasmine Nabor, Joyce Sta. Rita and guest players Tess Rountree and Shelby Sullivan.

Tacloban, under mentor Nes Pamilar, has Jovielyn Prado, Judith Abil, Shola Alvarez and Thai players Amporn Hyapha and Sasiwimol Sangpan.

Matches will be played on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.