THE Capital1 Solar Spikers take the spotlight on Tuesday as top pick Bella Belen finally sees action when the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference gets going at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
Following her stint with Alas Pilipinas, Belen, the former Universoty Athletic Association of the Philippines standout with National University suits up for the Solar Spikers against Choco Mucho at 6:30 p.m.
The three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player joins forces with Ukrainian import Oleksandra Bytsenko, who steps in to fill the shoes of former reinforcement Marina Tushova.
After finishing 11th in the PVL On Tour, Capital1 is determined to climb the rankings with help from local talents Leila Cruz, Kecelyn Galdones, Roma Doromal, Rovena Instrella, Norielle Ipac, Trisha Genesis and Sydney Niegos.
The Flying Titans, who finished 10th in On Tour, are looking to rebound with the help of American high-flyer Anyse Smith, who recently impressed fans while playing for Nakhon Ratchasima QminC VC in the AVC Champions League. Smith is expected to be a key figure in Choco Mucho’s title bid.
Supporting her are veterans Dindin Manabat, Des Cheng, Mean Mendrez, Isa Molde, Royse Tubino, and Jen Villegas, along with a formidable middle rotation of Cherry Nunag, Aduke Ogunsanya, and Lorraine Pecaña.
At 4 p.m., ZUS Coffee and Akari take center stage in a Pool B clash, both aiming to bounce back from lackluster showings in the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference.
ZUS Coffee, which finished seventh in On Tour and last in the Invitationals, features American import Anna DeBeer-a 5-foot-11 outside hitter from the University of Louisville who recently played for Indy Ignite in the Major Volleyball League. In her pro debut, DeBeer racked up 172 points from 148 attacks, 17 blocks, and seven aces, along with 110 digs.
Returning for ZUS Coffee is Thea Gagate, fresh off her stint with Alas Pilipinas. With her back in the lineup, the Thunderbelles aim for a strong run in a group that includes Chery Tiggo, Creamline, Galeries Tower, and Petro Gazz.
Akari, meanwhile, is led by American import Annie Mitchem, a 31-year-old veteran who last played for Jakarta Livin Mandiri and has competed in Italy, Turkey, and Brazil following a standout college career at the University of Hawaii. She’ll be supported by a solid local core: Ivy Lacsina, Gretchel Soltones, Eli Soyud, Faith Nisperos, Steph Bustrillo, Chenie Tagaod, and middles Ced Domingo, Ezra Madrigal, and Fifi Sharma.
The tournament features two pools of six teams in a single round-robin format. The top three teams from each pool will advance to the second round, facing only the bottom three from the opposite group.
Rankings will follow the FIVB system: total wins, match points, set ratio, and point ratio. After the second round, teams will be re-ranked from 1 to 12. The bottom four will be eliminated, while the top eight move on to the quarterfinals in a knockout format: 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, and 4 vs 5. The semifinals, finals, and bronze medal matches will also be single-elimination games.