HEAVYWEIGHT Petron makes its much-anticipated debut when it battles struggling Foton in the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference tomorrow at the Cadiz Arena in Cadiz City.
After ruling the Grand Prix, the Blaze Spikers begin their quest for a second straight title when they clash with the Tornadoes in the 7 p.m. main game of the club tournament bankrolled by Isuzu, UCPB Gen and Sogo Hotel with ESPN5, Hyper HD and Aksyon TV as broadcast partners.
Defending champion Cignal eyes its third straight win when it tackles Sta. Lucia Realty in the 4:15 p.m. match of the double-header also backed by Senoh, Asics, Mikasa, Mueller and Grand Sport as technical sponsors.
Another win would put the HD Spikers closer to an outright semifinal berth in their group. They beat University of the East-Cherrylume and Smart-Army last week.
The Lady Realtors, who turned back Cocolife in four sets also last week in Bacoor City, try to extend their momentum and stop the reigning titlist to force a tie on top of Pool B.
But all eyes will be on the Blaze Spikers, who will be parading the core of Mika Reyes, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Ces Molina, Rhea Dimaculangan and Remy Palma that won the Grand Prix title early this year.
“This Invitational is very unpredictable because all teams are tough to beat,” Petron Head Coach Shaq de los Santos said. “We need to be more prepared every game in. This conference and give our best to show a great competition.”
De los Santos, who also calls the shots for the women’s national team, will be having more firepower from returning college stars Sisi Rondina and hometown hero Bernadeth Pons as they try to add more frustrations for the skidding Tornadoes.
Foton Head Coach Rommel Abella is hoping to recover from an alarming 0-2 start after losing to F2 Logistics on opening day and falling short against surprise leader Generika-Ayala in five sets last week.
“Actually, it’s not yet time to push the panic button. We still have a chance although we made the road tougher for us,” Abella said.
Despite a massive recruiting coup that netted Bea De Leon, Shaya Adorador and twins Nieza and Ela Viray to join mainstays Jaja Santiago, Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Maika Ortiz, the Tornadoes still failed to live up to the expectations.
Abella said communication and composure have been their problems.
“Communication and composure were the problems in our first two matches. Especially in our recent lost to Generika-Ayala, we lost our composure. If we want to survive in this tournament, we have to address those factors moving forward.”