IT might just be a preseason tournament, but the Petro Gazz Angels are seriously taking the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League which kicks off at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, February 4.

While there's a risk of incurring injuries, middle blocker and skipper Remy Palma said that the Angels, who will play the Philippine Army in the opener at 3:30 p.m., are out to play at the highest level that they could.

"It's hard to say that we're just there to play. That's not how it works for us," said Palma during the tournament press launch on Friday, adding that the competition will serve them well for the upcoming 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season.

"Our principle is that whenever you compete in a game, you compete to the highest level that you can. For us, this will be a good experience coming to the PVL season. It will be a competitive league for us, so all I can say is that we're going to play at a high level."

Like any other participating team, Petro Gazz will use the PNVF Champions League as a means to build their chemistry, especially after acquiring new recruits in middle blockers Joy Dacoron and Ethan Arce, as well as wing spikers Michelle Morente and the returning Myla Pablo.

Led by new coach in Japanese Koji Tsuzurabara, Petro Gazz is also set to parade its prized recruit in US-NCAA standout and Filipino American Brooke Van Sickle.

"We're very happy with the players that we acquired. We're on the transition with the team as coach Koji said, it's only been 10 days since he handled the team," said Palma.

"We're doing everything while we're on the adjustment period, I can say that we'll get what coach Koji's been teaching us in no time."

Meanwhile, the Cignal HD Spikers and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers also see action on the opening day, clashing in the main event at 6 p.m.