PVL cancels On Tour stop in Isabela due to Maymay

FILE– A look at the PVL official ball. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines  The PVL on Tour games in Santiago, Isabela, on Saturday have been canceled due to the adverse effects of Tropical Depression Maymay (Kujira).

The league said the decision was made to ensure the safety of fans, athletes, team personnel, officials and everyone involved in the event. Travel disruptions also factored into the decision, with flights to Isabela canceled since Thursday due to the tropical depression.

All tickets purchased for the canceled matches will be refunded.

ZUS Coffee, unbeaten in two games, was supposed to wrap up its preseason against defending champion PLDT, while Creamline and Capital1 were scheduled to headline the game day.

“We sincerely apologize to our fans in Santiago City and the rest of Isabela who were looking forward to the matches,” PVL president Ricky Palou said.

“While we share everyone’s disappointment, the safety of our fans, players, coaches, officials and staff must always come first. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support during this time.”

Palou also assured volleyball fans in Santiago that the league remains committed to bringing PVL action to the city.

“We made a promise to bring the PVL to Santiago City, and we intend to keep that promise. Although we were forced to cancel this weekend’s games because of circumstances beyond our control, we look forward to returning to Santiago during the upcoming PVL All-Filipino Conference,” he said.

The PVL on Tour has two more stops, with Lanao Del Norte hosting next week and Victorias City on Aug. 22.

In Lanao, streaking Nxled takes on Farm Fresh, while PLDT battles Akari.

In Victorias City, Capital1 and Farm Fresh collide before Creamline and Galeries cap the PVL on Tour.

The On Tour Showdown has drawn strong support through its first four stops in Ilagan City, Isabela; Batangas City; Vigan, Ilocos Sur; and Polomolok, South Cotabato. The latest stop in Polomolok drew an overwhelming turnout, with spectators spilling into the town plaza where a giant screen was set up so they could still watch the games.