RC Cola-Army reigns in PSL Invitational

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines’ RC Cola-Army, supported by ARC Refreshments Corporation (ARC), banked on veterans Rachel Anne Daquis and Tina Salak, to shock undefeated EST Cola team from Thailand, 25-23, 25-23, 14-25 and 25-23 and rule the Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference held at the San Juan Arena recently.

The Filipinas engaged the Thais in a nip-and-tuck affair, trading game winners and service aces throughout the contest. With the score tied at 21-all in the fourth set, the game’s MVP, Jovelyn Gonzaga, delivered a lightning-quick spike down center court to defuse the rally of the visiting team.

Holding match point at 24-23, with the Thai team putting the ball into play, the Filipinas made a great defensive effort to thwart a series of net attacks their opponents had used to rally to within a point after being down by 3, 21-18, earlier in the game. Another powerful spike from Gonzaga provided the game clincher and the mostly Filipino audience erupted in wild celebration.

Gonzaga and her teammate, Honey Royse Tubino, took turns piercing holes on the airtight floor defense and superb blocking of the Thais. Gonzaga scored 19 points, Tubino chipped in 17, and Rachel Anne Daquis added 10 as the Lady Troopers regained their supremacy in the PSL after missing three conferences.

Aside from winning their fourth title, the RC Cola-Army Troopers also avenged the loss of their compatriots, the PSL All-Star squad, at the prestigious Thai-Denmark Super League held earlier in Bangkok.

“Another accomplishment that we all can be proud of; I’m so happy for our team, the RC Cola-Army Troopers, for displaying the heart of a champion,” said Rizza Alfonso, senior manager for marketing services of ARC Refreshments Corporation. “They did not give up, even in the face of a monumental challenge from foreign opposition – especially a team that comes from Thailand, a country known for producing some of the best talents in volleyball.”  

“Mission accomplished. This has been our target since day one. This win is not just for us but also for our country,” said RC Cola-Army Troopers coach Kungfu Reyes.

Reyes said their experience spelled the difference in their match against the Est Cola team, which boasts of young and talented players from Thailand.

Aside from EST Cola Club, the other participating teams were Foton Toplander, Petron Tri-Activ Spikers, Cignal HD Spikers, F2 Logistics Cargo Movers and San Jose Builders Victorias.