FILE–Gerflor Defenders wrap up their PVL All-Filipino marketing campaign. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
The savior that got here to the rescue of Gerflor within the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) has lastly named its latest squad—and it has fairly a well-recognized ring to it.
Businessman Frank Lao introduced on Saturday that the brand new group will carry the Sturdy Group Athletics (SGA) model within the PVL, however whereas the group continues to be beneath development, its sister squad continued bolstering its roster forward of the league’s coming season.
“Placing up a second group within the Premier Volleyball League is a no brainer for us,” Lao mentioned within the announcement of SGA becoming a member of the professional league. “The PVL has been a constant supply of leisure for followers of all ages, and we’re excited to contribute to the league in no matter method we will.”
Sturdy Group is the sister group of Farm Contemporary, which can be owned by Lao, the “good samaritan” to the previous Defenders after shouldering their wage issues following the alleged nonpayment of the Gerflor administration.
The model is identical one carried by a basketball squad that competes in an annual match within the Center East. This yr’s Sturdy Group basketball group has drawn a whole lot of consideration after signing NBA champion Dwight Howard and former Gilas Pilipinas foremost man Andray Blatche as imports.
“Having a second group will result in extra alternatives for Filipino volleyball gamers and coaches. We consider within the potential of our athletes, and by offering extra platforms for them to showcase their abilities, we’re contributing to the expansion of volleyball within the nation,” Lao, who additionally owns the Converge FiberXers within the PBA, added.
Former Gerflor head coach Sammy Acaylar, nevertheless, informed the Inquirer that he’s nonetheless ready for Lao’s determination if he would want him to guide the brand new squad. Acaylar added that he’ll respect if the administration would resolve it will now not want his providers.
Sturdy Group’s entry to the professional volleyball league was additionally welcomed by PVL president Ricky Palou.
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“We’re actually grateful to Frank Lao and Sturdy Group Athletics for not solely serving to pay the salaries of the Gerflor Defenders final yr but additionally for taking the daring step of beginning a second group within the PVL,” Palou mentioned. “This exhibits their sturdy dedication to the event and success of volleyball within the Philippines.”
Sturdy Group hasn’t launched its roster but.
In the meantime, the Foxies continued their buildup to the season, signing extra recruits to bolster its younger roster. Spikers Jolina dela Cruz, Chinnie Arroyo and Elaine Kasilag have been picked up from the defunct F2 Logistics, center blocker Jaycel delos Reyes was plucked from Chery Tiggo. Two former College of Santo Tomas standouts may also be a part of Farm Contemporary: libero Janel Delerio and out of doors hitter Ypril Tapia.
The latest Foxies will be a part of group captain Louie Romero, Kate Santiago, Sofia Ildefonso, Alyssa Bertolano and the highly effective Trisha Tubu in addition to the younger core of Faculty of St. Benilde stalwarts of their bid for a a lot better end within the upcoming season.
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Farm Contemporary ended up on the thirteenth spot in its debut within the final Invitational Convention earlier than putting tenth within the season-ending All-Filipino Convention after scoring its first two franchise wins.