The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) made history with its first-ever visit to Cebu, delivering a thrilling doubleheader at the Minglanilla Sports Complex last Saturday. With over 5,000 passionate fans packing the venue, the event proved to be a resounding success, sparking talks of a potential return to the Queen City of the South.
A Day to Remember for Cebuana Standouts
The event became even more special for Cebuana volleyball stars Dimdim Pacres and Rica Rivera, who returned to their hometown to showcase their skills.
Pacres and her team, Galeries Tower Highrisers, clinched their first win of the conference with a commanding straight-sets victory over Capital1, 26-24, 25-14, 25-23. Meanwhile, Rivera, playing as the libero for Capital1, received cheers from the crowd for her defensive prowess despite her team’s loss.
The first match of the day saw Cignal extend their dominance in the All-Filipino Conference by sweeping Nxled in straight sets, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23.
Cebu’s Volleyball Fever
The games showcased the warm and electric atmosphere Cebuano fans are known for, with Pacres expressing her gratitude:
“Sobrang nakakatuwa kasi iba rin talaga ‘yung atmosphere dito, ang saya.”
Both Pacres and Rivera, who were teammates with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) during their 2019 UAAP campaign, relished the opportunity to play in front of their home crowd.
Top-Notch Hosting
The participating teams—Cignal, Nxled, Galeries Tower, and Capital1—were treated to world-class hospitality during their Cebu stint. They stayed at the luxurious Fili Nustar Hotel at the Nustar Resort, courtesy of Grid Athletic, further elevating the prestige of the league’s Cebu debut.
What’s Next for PVL in Cebu?
With the overwhelming support from Cebuano fans, the PVL is seriously considering another trip to Cebu. The league’s first outing in the province not only highlighted Cebu’s love for volleyball but also reinforced the city’s potential as a hub for future sporting events.
PVL fans can look forward to even more exciting matches and milestones as the league continues its All-Filipino Conference.