Action between Creamline and PLDT in the 2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference. PVL Media

MANILA -- Two of the Premier Volleyball League's top clubs will get their baptism of fire as the 2025 AVC Women's Champions League opens at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Easter Sunday.

Newly-crowned PVL All-Filipino champions Petro Gazz are sitting out opening day with a bye, while Creamline and PLDT hit the court early, both reinforced by key additions expected to bolster their respective title bids.

The Cool Smashers will debut in Pool A against Jordan's Al Naser Club at 4 p.m., while the High Speed Hitters will take on Australia's Queensland Pirates in Pool D at 7 p.m. The eight-day event is supported by Mikasa, Mizuno, and Grand Sport.

Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses believes his team has had enough time to recover from a grueling five-month PVL season and is ready to refocus on the continental stage.

"Siyempre, mga competitive kasi mga players. So, end of the day, siguro nag-iisip din yan. Pero, sa ngayon, nakabalik na sila sa kani-kanilang mga bahay," said Meneses.

"Hopefully, maka-recover sila. Pero I think mabilis makaka-recover yung team. Bawi na lang siguro sa ibang conference. AVC, I think, laging competitive naman yung Creamline," he added.

READ: Armed with lessons from PVL Finals loss, Valdez, Creamline hope to bounce back in AVC tiff

Creamline will be led by key imports Erica Staunton, who helped them secure last year's Reinforced Conference title leading to a record Grand Slam, and newcomers Anastassiya Kolomoyets and Anastasya Kudryashova.

Veteran setter Rhea Villarete has also joined the squad, teaming up with Kyle Negrito to orchestrate plays as the Cool Smashers set their sights on a podium finish.

Meanwhile, PLDT coach Rald Ricafort shared his excitement as the High Speed Hitters prepare for their international debut, embracing the honor of representing the country and the club.

"We're really excited for the privilege ng pag-represent ng PLDT at ng Pinas. Hopefully, sa first game namin, malabas agad namin ang laro namin at makuha 'yung result na gusto namin. But for sure, marami kaming makukuhang experience at learning sa tournament na 'to," said Ricafort.

PLDT will lean on Cuban import Wilma Salas, with Savi Davison and Kianna Dy anchoring the local attack. Their opponents, Queensland, feature top-tier talents including Australian Volleyball Super League All-Star Kylee White, national team player Emma Burton and rising star Scarlett Rudder.

The tournament begins with Kaohsiung Taipower (Chinese Taipei) facing Hip Hing (Hong Kong) in Pool B at 10 a.m., followed by a highly anticipated Pool C clash between China's Baic Motor and Iran's Saipa Tehran at 1 p.m.

Meanwhile, Jordan's Al Naser Club, Creamline's first opponent, has bolstered its squad with three explosive Brazilian wing spikers – Isabela Paquiardi, Pully Klein, and Natiele Goncalves – adding firepower to its campaign.

Games will air on One Sports, One Sports+, Pilipinas Live, and Volleyball World.

The tournament format divides the 12 teams into four pools of three. The top two squads in each group advance to the quarterfinals, where cross-pool matchups will determine the semifinalists: A1 vs D2, A2 vs D1, B1 vs C2, and B2 vs C1.