MANILA, Philippines – After a two-year layoff, former powerhouse squad PLDT is set to return to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

PLDT was one of the premier clubs in the Shakey's V-League, having won the Open and Reinforced Conference as recently as two years ago.

Among their former stars is multiple-time MVP Alyssa Valdez, who now plays for the Creamline Cool Smashers.

But PLDT took a leave of absence from the league for the past two years. In that time, the V-League transformed into the PVL, while most of its stars committed to other squads. Its coach, Roger Gorayeb, also took over another team – Bali Pure.

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Gorayeb has already confirmed his return to PLDT, however, and informed Bali Pure team manager Paulo Turno of his intent to come back to his mother club.

"I've just talked to him (Turno) and I explained that I have no choice but to leave, since PLDT is my mother team," said Gorayeb, who steered Bali Pure to the Open Conference title last season.

PLDT will parade a line-up headed by former league MVP Grethcel Soltones, legendary libero Lizlee Ann Pantone, and San Sebastian College standouts Joyce Sta. Rita and Katherine Villegas.

They also have some UAAP players in their roster, but Gorayeb will only divulge their names after the collegiate volleyball tournament.

The PVL's Reinforced Conference starts on April 1.

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