RC Cola-Air Force faces Cignal in Superliga GP opener today

Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

1 p.m. – Opening ceremonies

2 p.m. – Cignal vs RC Cola-Air Force

4 p.m. – Generika vs Petron

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Superliga Grand Prix presented by Asics fires off today with two explosive duels showcasing power, skills – and looks tipped to lure the crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Last conference’s runner-up RC Cola-Air Force kicks off hostilities as it slugs it out with Cignal at 2 p.m. while Petron battles Generika in the 4 p.m. main game.

Before they trade spikes, power tips and serves, fans will be treated to a colorful opening ceremonies with PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and PSL chairman Philip Ella Juico rolling the red carpet to International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Referees Commission chairman Ahmed Mohamed Hanafi Hassan and Asics Asia-Pacific marketing manager Kenji Oh, who will do the opening serve.

Suzara will deliver the opening remarks while Juico will declare the games open with the theme “Ito ang Volleyball.”

But come game time, focus will be on Petron, which will be parading a lovely pair of imports in Alaina Bergsma of the US and Erica Adachi from Brazil.

Billed as a charmer in the mold of Brazilian beauty Leila Barros, Bergsma, the 2012 Miss Oregon who bagged the Miss Photogenic crown in the 2012 Miss USA beauty pageant, is expected to generate interest and instant following with her deadly brew of beauty, brain and power.

Bersgma led University of Oregon to a deep run in the NCAA Division I and skippered the US women’s team in major international competitions.

Same goes for Adachi, the comely setter from Brazil who is said to be one of the smartest playmakers on the international volleyball circuit.

They will be joined in by local aces, including 6-foot-3 spiker Dindin Santiago, Carmina Aganon, Mayette Zapanta, Mary Grace Masangkay, Gretchen Ho and the returning Fille Cainglet-Cayetano in forming the most dreaded team following the absence of three-time champion Army.

“But still, I don’t think we’re the strongest team this conference,” said Petron coach George Pascua. “Other teams have also fortified their respective lineups. We still have to work hard and translate that strength into victories on the court.”

The Blaze Spikers, however, are expected to have their hands full against a Generika side powered by Natalia Korovkova of Russia and Miyuu Shinohara together with the nucleus of collegiate powerhouse De La Salle University.

After taking the league by storm when they donned the jersey of expansion team AirAsia, the Life Savers remain dangerous with Stephanie Mercado, Abby Marano, Michelle Laborte and Cha Cruz back at the helm. And as an added firepower, comely model Michelle Gumabao is said to be reporting in perfect condition after playing in only several games last conference.

“Everyone is capable of getting the championship,” assistant coach Benson Bocboc said. “Hindi natin masasabi kung sino ang may advantage. The field is equal for all teams. It’s a wide-open race.”

In the first game, intact RC Cola-Air Force starts its quest for the elusive crown against a dangerous Cignal side.

The Raiders will be anchored by veteran international campaigners Bonita Wise and Emily Brown with Joy Cases, Judy Caballejo, Maika Ortiz and Rhea Dimaculangan back in harness. They also have a new coach in Rhovyl Verayo.

The HD Spikers, on the other hand, will rest their fate on Germans Lindsay Stalzer and Sarah Ammerman with Honey Royse Tubino, Abigail Praca and Jeck Dionela holding the fort on the defensive end.

Tickets are available at ticketnet (www.ticketnet.com.ph) at P100 and P200. Games will be telecast by Solar Sports, official TV partner of the Superliga.