Pasig city: After a successful campaign at the PVL on Tour, PLDT is setting its sights on another title victory in the PVL Invitational, which unfolds on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. PLDT will face Chery Tiggo at 6:30 p.m., following the 4 p.m. match between Cignal and Creamline.

According to Philippines News Agency, PLDT's Kim Kianna Dy shared in a press statement that the team feels no added pressure. Dy emphasized that the Invitational is a new conference with new teams, prompting PLDT to return to training, work hard, and bring the same confidence they had from the On Tour. PLDT's roster, including Dy, Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo, and Savi Davison, previously conquered the Crossovers in the PVL on Tour finale last August 17 with a final score of 25-17, 25-17, 19-25, 24-26, 15-8.

The two-week Invitational tournament will also see Japan's Kurashiki Ablaze, the 2023 champion, and the debuting Kobe Shinwa University squad, who are set to compete on Saturday. Chery Tiggo veteran Aby Mara±o described the Invitational as a valuable learning opportunity, highlighting the strength of the guest teams and the importance of continuous learning for their evolving team core.

Meanwhile, Creamline aims to bounce back from a third-place finish at the PVL on Tour and defend their Invitational crown. The Cool Smashers, led by Michelle Gumabao, Jessica Galanza, and Alyssa Valdez, previously delivered double-digit scores in their victory over Cignal in the PVL on Tour. Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses acknowledged the difference in not reaching the Finals but expressed satisfaction with finishing on the podium, with a focus now on bouncing back in the Invitational.