Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 6) — Two prized middle blockers announced on Saturday their big jump to new teams in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
After six championships and one Finals MVP plum with the Creamline Cool Smashers, Celine Domingo took a leap of faith with the Akari Chargers.
Akari on social media said that fans can expect a “powerhouse season” with the acquisition of Domingo.
But the 5-foot-9 product of the Far Eastern University volleyball program remains grateful for her fruitful stint with the Cool Smashers.
“Beyond grateful to everyone! My coaches, teammates, management, supporters — once I [called] my family, my home,” said Domingo in an Instagram post on Friday.
“It was an honor playing alongside you all!! I’ll cherish everything forever. No goodbyes, just see you around,” she added.
Domingo missed the season-ending Second All-Filipino Conference in October 2023 after she was released by Creamline to play for the Nakhon Ratchasima VC in Thailand.
Her presence in the middle is expected to help the Chargers clinch their first appearance in the PVL semifinals since the club team’s debut in 2022.
Despite Domingo’s exit from the Cool Smashers, the reigning All-Filipino Conference champions secured the commitments of Bea de Leon and Denden Lazaro-Revilla.
De Leon and Revilla were part of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans lineup who finished second behind the Cool Smashers in the recently concluded conference.
New environment
Meanwhile, Majoy Baron is on to a new chapter with the PLDT High Speed Hitters, following the disbandment of the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.
The former UAAP and Philippine Super Liga MVP said she is excited to compete in a new environment after playing for a long time for a team that was mostly composed of fellow players from De La Salle University.
“Every new coach and every new teammate, I intend to learn from them,” said Baron in a statement. “I’m coming into the PLDT team as a student of the sport. Hopefully, I excel in this challenge as well.”
Baron will be joined by fellow ex-Cargo Mover Kim Fajardo in the PLDT team.
