After successive All-Filipino Conferences, the imports are back in the local volleyball scene.
It was in 2022 when the Petro Gazz Angels swept the Cignal HD Spikers to hoist the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference trophy at a jampacked PhilSports Arena for the franchise’s second championship and first in three years. American Lindsay Van Der Weide dominated the titular series against opposite number Tai Bierria (who came off the bench) and Rald Ricafort became the second rookie head coach to win a title for the Angels since Arnold Laniog (Ricafort’s then then-deputy) accomplished the feat in 2019.
There was no PVL Reinforced Conference last year due to issues with international permits. Hence, the league held two All-Filipino Conferences (both won by the Creamline Cool Smashers).
The 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference is now just around the corner and ironically it was Petro Gazz that was the last team to declare its import mere days before the start of the short tournament.
We now check out all twelve foreign reinforcements ahead of the competition and see how much of an impact they will have for their respective clubs.
Petro Gazz – Wilma Salas, 33 (CUB) 6’2” (OP)
It must be a bittersweet return to the Philippines for the Cuban national as her foreign partner during their 2019 conquest in American Janisa Johnson died a couple of months ago after a brave battle with colon cancer.
Salas, a former captain of the Cuban national team, is a bemedaled international campaigner who eventually became naturalized by Azerbaijan and given the new name of Wilma Aslihanova. Playing professionally since 2007, she also had stints in Turkey, Italy and Poland before spending the last three years in Greece for Olympiacos S.F. Piraeus.
In the five years since Salas’ last appearance in this country, she was part of the Chemik Police club that captured two Polish Cup titles and has evolved into a team player where her role is to adapt to where she is needed and not become the lone source of points, as was the case when she was named PVL “Best Foreign Guest Player”.
Salas now has to learn the new system of Japanese mentor Koji Tsuzurabara and absorb Aiza Maizo-Pontillas’ minutes as she teams up with hard-hitting Jonah Sabete and reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP Brooke Van Sickle in the Angels’ frontline. Her main task will be on defense as she will be assigned to stifle the opposing wing spikers.
From the 2019 roster, only Sabete (who was a reserve then) and setters Chie Saet and Djanel Cheng remain.
Cignal – Maria Jose “MJ” Perez, 36 (VEN) 6’2” (OH)
The adage “if you can’t beat them, join them” might not apply to the Venezuelan acquisition of the HD Spikers. After all, Perez has always been a thorn on Cignal’s side she spent three conferences as the resident import of the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in the now-defunct Philippine Superliga (PSL).
Seeing her during the recently concluded FIVB Challenger Cup, it appears that Perez still looks like she did five years ago. That could be because she returned to Asia after the COVID-19 pandemic and suited up for Vietnamese squad Than Quang Ninh VC and looks primed for a comeback on Philippine soil for the HD Spikers.
Perez will be taking the place of Alas Pilipinas’ Vanie Gandler in the wing with skipper Ces Molina and veteran opposite spiker Sgt. Jovelyn Gonzaga (whose participation is still in question owing to her being in active military service).
If Perez’s detonations are still like those of when she was the killer for the Cargo Movers, then Cignal coach Shaq de los Santos may hardly feel Gandler’s absence.
Creamline – Erica Staunton, 23 (USA) 6’1” (OH)
In another play of numbers, the Cool Smashers acquired a 23-year-old to take the place of jersey #23 in Jema Galanza—also on loan to Alas Pilipinas.
Staunton herself is on-loan as her current club Oriveden Ponnistus in the Finnish league is on break. Oriveden Ponnistus is coached by former Philippine national team mentor Fabio Menta.
The multi-awarded wing attacker played for Northeastern University as an undergrad and finished her NCAA Division I career as a graduate student for the University of Georgia and recorded 136 kills in 21 matches (11 as a starter) for the Bulldogs during the 2023 season before heading to Finland.
Creamline captain Alyssa Valdez spoke highly of the youngster.
“Erica really complements our team in terms of character, attitude, playing style as well,” Valdez was quoted in an interview. “For me, she really fits in our system.”
With starting opposite hitter Tots Carlos forecasted to miss the whole tournament due to injury, it would be no surprise if Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses experiments in making Staunton play on the right side to bring in opportunities for his deep bench starring Bernadeth Pons, Dij Rodriguez and perhaps even dressing rookie Aleiah Torres as an attacker to complement the foreseen yeoman’s role to be given to Michele Gumabao.
Chery Tiggo – Khat Bell, 31 (USA) 6’2” (OH)
A three-season resident import of the Petron Blaze Spikers in the PSL, Bell knows how to takeover games as an impact player.
Being one of the catalysts of the USA U-18 team in the FIVB World Championship, Bell has imbibed the Filipino culture faster than anyone not named Lindsay Stalzer (who was also her teammate at Petron) and her addition to the Crossovers adds more firepower in the wings should wunderkind Eya Laure be recalled to Alas. Bell has also been known to shift to middle blocker in Petron and that could bode well to give veteran skipper Aby Maraño more support up front.
Adjusting to the system of Chery Tiggo coach Kung Fu Reyes shouldn’t be an issue due to Bell’s high volleyball IQ, but the Crossovers have landed a bonafide leader who could be the biggest piece to a title chase this conference.
PLDT – Elena Samoilenko, 29 (RUS) 6’4” (OH)
The High Speed Hitters are fortunate to bring back this Russian sensation after a stellar showing in 2022.
This time, however, Samoilenko has help in Filipino-American Savi Davison who was among the league’s scoring leaders during this year’s All-Filipino Conference. Their outside combination coupled with the return of erstwhile captain Mika Reyes and the addition of former F2 stalwarts Majoy Baron, Kim Falajrdo and (perhaps) Kim Kianna Dy makes for a potential playoff run that could even challenge for a championship.
Visiting their practices at the SGS Foundation Building in Quezon City, it appears that PLDT is now more cohesive on and off the court and Samoilenko’s youthful exuberance and commitment to the mission could spell bad news for the opposition. She and Davison hit it off from the get-go and if KKD’s injury woes dissipate sooner rather than later, the High Speed Hitters are a titular dark-horse for this tournament.
Choco Mucho – Zoi Faki, 25 (GRE) 6’2” (OH)
Despite being just 25, Faki has already accumulated a wealth of experience playing at the club level since the age of 15.
After a fruitful collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh and later for San Diego State, Faki returned to Greece to play for AO Thiras and later Apollon Kalamatas.
Upon arriving in the Philippines and undergoing initial training with the Flying Titans, Faki became enamored with coach Dante Alinsunurin’s system and even declared him as the best coach she’s ever had. That bodes well for Choco Mucho who will be missing the services of MVP Sisi Rondina and middle blocker Cherry Nunag (on loan to Alas Pilipinas).
Faki is seen to be quite capable of filling-in for Rondina and the signing of draft pick Lorraine Pecaña alleviates Nunag’s spot for the time being. After two straight Finals appearances under Alinsunurin, Choco Mucho is on a high and may continue to ride the wave with a healthy core of captain Maddie Madayag, the setter duo of Deanna Wong and Mars Alba plus the leadership of newly signed veteran Din-Din Santiago-Manabat—who will most likely carry the load in the opposite spiker’s position while Kat Tolentino is still recovering from her aural issues.
The addition of Faki carries with it a huge upside for the Flying Titans.
Akari – Olouma Okaro, 28 (USA) 6’1” (OP)
The Chargers’ import is a combination of youth and experience, which is a rare commodity. Originally a beach volleyball specialist for Arizona State University, Okora was a two-time All-Pac 12 selection (2017 with the indoor team and in 2019 with the beach team). Also, in 2019 she was a member of the American team that swept the FIVB NORCECA (North America, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation) Champions Cup.
Okoro has also been playing professionally for three years and during her first sortie in 2019, she was named Best Opposite Spiker while playing for Hämeenlinnan Lentopallokerho in the Finnish circuit. After the pandemic, Okoro played for two Greek teams before signing with the San Diego Mojo in the USA Pro Volleyball Federation—the same team that had Van Der Weide, Stalzer and former PLDT import Kendra Dahlke. Celebrated Thai setter Nootsara Tomkom and Puerto Rico captain Shara Venegas were also her former teammates.
Having Okoro in the line-up now moves Ivy Lacsina as a fulltime outside hitter along with Cebuana ace Grethcel Soltones while erstwhile starter Erika Raagas and backup Eli Soyud will see limited playing time. With Fifi Sharma and Faith Nisperos still with Alas Pilipinas, the health of former Creamline center Celine Domingo and newly acquired Camille Victoria will be needed to provide effective minutes for Akari and coach Taka Minowa.
The Chargers could also be on the precipice of their first playoff appearance if Okoro is everything advertised.
Farm Fresh – Yeny Murillo, 25 (COL) 6’0” (OH)
Colombian Murillo, an Arizona Western College and Grand Canyon University alum, brings her European experience to the young franchise.
After her NCAA Division I days, Murillo took her talents to Greece for AO Thiras and also had stints in France, Cyprus and Czechia before dabbling with Farm Fresh. She is still under contract to play for Rennes EC in the French circuit which is currently in the offseason. This will be Murillo’s first sortie in Asia.
Murillo is known for her wild hairstyle that makes her coiffeur appear as tentacles. On the court, however, she is a solid offensive package as evidenced by her performance for GCU when she led the team in scoring and was named to the All-WAC first team.
With Farm Fresh and youthful coach Shota Sato (a former deputy with PVL Invitational champion Kurashiki Ablaze), Murillo will be the go-to-girl of playmaker and captain Louie Romero as the former tries to complement the already lethal wing phalanx of Kate Santiago, Alyssa Bertolano and come-backing Jolina de la Cruz.
There have been talks that Murillo brings a Gigi Silva vibe and could turn out to be among the most prolific scorers in the upcoming tournament. The Foxies certainly hope so.
Galeries Tower – Sutadta Chuewulim Jarawat, 31 (THA) 5’8″ (OH)
(Note: The Highrisers’ import on the PVL page has been changed to Jarawat in lieu of Monique Helena Gervasio)
It’s been five years since “Chuwi” detonated as an import in the Philippines when the power package played for the Perlas Spikers. She first played here for the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns as a 19-year-old enigma and was instrumental in bringing her squad to the Finals only to come up short against the powerhouse Philippine Army Lady Troopers.
A steady force with the Thai youth team in the early part of the millennium, Sutadta eventually played for the seniors and was part of the Thai contingent that saw action here during the 2018 and 2022 AVC Championship.
Known for her sharp hits and speed, it remains to be seen if she can be a factor on a Highrisers squad wanting in height. She will be paired with former UST star Ysa Jimenez as the primary wingers and her presence now makes Galeries Tower one of the fastest teams in the competition.
Capital1 – Marina Tushova, 25 (RUS) 6’1” (OH)
On paper, the Solar Spikers are probably the team that have fans anticipating the application of tremendous upside.
The drafting of De La Salle University star Leila Cruz, Ateneo libero-captain Roma Mae Doromal and the merge with skipper Jorelle Singh and newly acquired setter Iris Tolenada gives Capital1 an intriguing mix of talent that only a maestro like head coach Roger Gorayeb can blend seamlessly. Add to this concoction Russian youth team standout Tushova and the Solar Spikers could be poised for a marked improvement this conference.
After helping the national team to a gold medal finish in the 2016 Europe U19 Championship, Tushova elevated to the senior team of Dinamo-Metar and later VK Primorochka and Sakhalin before seeing action in Switzerland, France and back to Russia with her current club Sparta Nizhny Novgorod.
Tushova has length and can play in either wing position, but is just as old as the rookies which brings an instant connection with the team’s new cornerstones.
A frontline featuring Cruz (OP), Des Clemente (6’1” MB) and Tushova with her diagonal being Singh with Tolenada and Doromal has a highly competitive core for Captial1.
It remains to be seen if this youth movement will be enough to catapult the Solar Spikers to multiple wins this season.
Zus Coffee – Asaka Tamaru, 25 (JPN) 5’7” (OH)
To be a champion, sign a champion.
Tamaru will be familiar to many volleyball aficionados as the main gunner of 2023 PVL Invitational titlists Kurashiki Ablaze and will always be remembered for marking her PVL debut with 29 markers against Vietnam’s Kinh Bac Bac Minh.
Fresh out of Kyoto Sangyo University when she joined Kurashiki Ablaze, Tamaru has also been tapped as an assistant coach for the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors where Thunderbelles head coach Jerry Yee is also at the helm.
Being in one system for both UE and three-time NCAA champions the College of St. Benilde, Tamaru has meshed effortlessly with Zus’ young core of Lady Blazers in middle blocker Mitch Gamit, wing attackers Jade Gentapa and Gayle Pascual along with orchestrator Cloanne Mondoñedo. Tamaru can also serve as mentor to incoming rookies Shar Ancheta, Nikka Yandoc and floor patroller Jenina Zeta. Of course, she will be working alongside top overall selection Thea Gagate once her Alas duties are over on August 11th. Zus Coffee hopes that the team will still be in playoff contention by then.
Nxled – Meegan Hart, 25 (USA) 6’2″ (MB)
After initial speculation that the Chameleons would be parading Chinese national Jiang Xuanyao as its foreign reinforcement for the upcoming conference, the team announced just before their opening game that they are instead going with American Meegan Hart, who played collegiately for the Iowa State Cyclones and the Colorado Buffaloes.
Hart is expected to be a defensive stalwart for Nxled, as the was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week four times during her stint with the Buffaloes. She is coming off a stint with Olympiada Neapolis VB in the Cyprus league.
Nxled drafted Adamson University skipper Lucille Almonte and Perpetual Help middle blocker Razel Aldea a few weeks back and its mostly Lady Falcons core of Krich Macaslang, Chiara Permentilla and now Trisha Genesis will need production from the Maraguinot sisters (Jho and Jaja have since been reunited at Nxled), lefty Lycha Ebon and the libero tandem of Bang Pineda (also from Adamson) and Filipino-Canadian Rachel Jorvina.
The PVL Reinforced Conference may be a short undertaking, but fans still look forward for their newfound appetite for international volleyball after the country hosted the AVC Challenge Cup and the FIVB Challenger Cup. With imports representing eight nations, the international flavor is truly back with the PVL.
See you all on opening day!
Banner Images from PVL, University of Georgia and Instagram.
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