Volleyball fans are in for an electrifying Easter Sunday as the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League gets underway at the Philsports Arena in Pasig. The week-long tournament brings together some of the best club teams in Asia, and Premier Volleyball League (PVL) contenders Creamline and PLDT are set to represent the Philippines on opening day.

Fresh off a dramatic PVL All-Filipino Finals, the energy remains high as local fans prepare to rally behind their homegrown squads. Petro Gazz, newly crowned PVL champions, will sit out the first day of competition with a bye, while the Cool Smashers and High Speed Hitters both hit the court with strong reinforcements and renewed determination.

Creamline eyes early momentum

Creamline Cool Smashers begin their Pool A campaign at 4 p.m. against Jordan’s Al Naser Club. Head coach Sherwin Meneses expressed confidence that his players, despite a taxing PVL season, are mentally and physically prepared for another challenging run.

“Siyempre, mga competitive kasi mga players… I think mabilis makaka-recover yung team. AVC, I think, laging competitive naman yung Creamline,” said Meneses, stressing the team’s resilience and hunger to bounce back on the international stage.

Reinforcing Creamline are standout imports Erica Staunton, Kazakh middle blocker Anastassiya Kolomoyets, and Russian opposite Anastasya Kudryashova. Veteran playmaker Rhea Villarete joins Kyle Negrito in orchestrating Creamline’s offense, aiming for a strong tournament run and a possible podium finish.

PLDT Makes International Debut

The PLDT High Speed Hitters take on Australia’s Queensland Pirates at 7 p.m. in a Pool D showdown. Head coach Rald Ricafort shared his excitement about the team’s international debut and the pride of representing the country.

“We’re really excited for the privilege ng pag-represent ng PLDT at ng Pinas… marami kaming makukuhang experience at learning sa tournament na ‘to,” Ricafort said.

PLDT will be led by powerful Cuban import Wilma Salas, with local stars Savannah Davison and Kianna Dy anchoring the scoring. Queensland counters with a strong trio of national team mainstays: Kylee White, Emma Burton, and Scarlett Rudder.

Opening Matches and Tournament Format

Sunday’s action starts at 10 a.m. with Kaohsiung Taipower of Chinese Taipei facing Hong Kong’s Hip Hing in Pool B. At 1 p.m., China’s Baic Motor collides with Iran’s Saipa Tehran in a high-profile Pool C match.

Creamline’s opponent, Al Naser Club, has added serious firepower with Brazilian wing spikers Isabela Paquiardi, Pully Klein, and Natiele Goncalves—all bringing international experience and offensive depth.

Twelve teams are split into four pools of three. The top two squads from each group move on to the quarterfinals. Cross-pool pairings will determine the semifinalists: A1 vs D2, A2 vs D1, B1 vs C2, and B2 vs C1.

All matches will be aired live via One Sports, One Sports+, Pilipinas Live, and Volleyball World.