Volleyball: Gorayeb-mentored PLDT set for PSL return

MANILA, Philippines -- PLDT will be making a return when the Philippine Superliga (PSL) All-Filipino Conference unwraps on October 30.

According to PSL chairman Philip Ella Juico, PLDT has confirmed its participation, hiking the total number of clubs to eight.

PLDT will merge with Smart, and will be handled by multi-titled head coach Roger Gorayeb.

National team members Jasmine Nabor and Grethcel Soltones banner the squad, together with Aiko Urdas, Alyssa Eroa, Gel Cayuna, Czarina Carandang, Jerilli Malabanan, Jorelle Singh, and Cel Domingo.

Veterans Lizlee Anne Gata-Pantone and Lou Ann Latigay are also tipped to return to the PSL after a long absence.

“After almost five years, PLDT is finally coming home,” said Juico. “We’re very glad to have them back into our family.”

“We look forward to see them compete against the best club teams in the country and offer intense action and high level of competition,” he added.

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PLDT is a pioneer of the PSL, finishing fifth in the league’s inaugural conference before advancing to the semifinals of the Grand Prix with Kaylee Manns and Savannah Noyes as their reinforcements.

It competed in the All-Filipino Conference the following year with Sue Roces, Maruja Banaticla, Jem Ferrer, Latigay and Pantone serving as key players.

Then, it transferred to the Shakey’s V-League, the predecessor of the Premier Volleyball League, and stayed there until early this year under the banner of PayMaya.

This time, the team decided to make a return and test its mettle against the likes of reigning champion Petron, F2 Logistics, Foton, Generika-Ayala, Sta. Lucia Realty, Cocolife and sister team Cignal HD.

“The players of PLDT have been together for quite some time. We expect them to hit the ground running and give the big guns of the PSL a serious run for their money,” said Juico.

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