CLEARSKIIIN UV Smashers are giving the Spikers’ Turf another reason to look forward to its 10th anniversary season, joining the league as the newest team ahead of its October kickoff.
The new club arrives at a time when the Philippine volleyball scene has seen several teams step away from competition, either through leaves of absence or disbandments, making its entry a timely boost for the men’s game.
READ: What prompted Sydney Calderon to form a second Spikers' Turf team
That wave included nine-time Spikers’ Turf champion Cignal, which disbanded in January. Its former head coach Dexter Clamor will also step in as Clearskiiin's new team manager.
"I remember when I said that I was going to form a second team, definitely for the players who really want to be given the opportunity to play," said Clearskiiin team owner Sydney Calderon.
"This year, I really pushed [Spikers' Turf tournament director Ms. Mozzy [Ravena]]. I set a meeting with them. I said, 'I want to help the players who really don't have a team right now.' The players from Savouge, because we're growing, I want them to really have playing time so I really pushed this team."
Headlining the new roster are team captain Louis Gamban and co-captain JM Ronquillo alongside key aces Edward Camposano and Jay Rack dela Noche.
They are joined by Ruvince Abrot, Rick Adao, KC Andrade, Renzel Antonio, Jester Bornel, Kim Dayandante, Bhim Diones, Robert Flores II, John Angelo Gayud, Mfena Gwaza, Charles Magpayo and John Michael Paglaon.
Backed by local skincare brand Clearskiiin, the newcomers will also have an established program to lean on as the sister team of three-time Spikers’ Turf medalist Savouge Spin Doctors.
With Savouge already boasting three Spikers’ Turf medals, the partnership gives the UV Smashers a strong volleyball lineage as they prepare for their debut.
Their arrival becomes one of the biggest developments in the buildup to the league’s anniversary season, adding a fresh club to a competition that has spent the past decade providing a stage for the country’s top men’s volleyball talent.
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