RC Cola, Petron eye lead share

Games today

2 p.m. – Petron vs Generika

4 p.m. – RC Cola vs Cignal

MANILA, Philippines - Petron and RC Cola-Army take on separate rivals today, both looking for victories and an early share of the lead with idle F2 Logistics in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

The Tri-Activ Spikers tangle with a resurgent Generika side at 2 p.m. while the Lady Troopers collide with the Cignal HD Spikers in the 4 p.m. main game, seeking their second straight wins.

F2 Logistics shows the way with a 2-0 card on victories over Cignal and Amy’s Kitchen.

Although the Tri-Activ Spikers lost the likes of Dindin Manabat, Fille Cayetano, Rachel Anne Daquis and Aby Maraño, they remain explosive as they acquired the services of FEU stalwarts Bernadeth Pons and Remy Palma following the recruitment of CJ Rosario, Bang Pineda and veteran Aiza Maizo-Pontillas.

Pons and Palma provided the rock-solid net defense while Maizo-Pontillas peppered the Foton Tornadoes with her stinging spikes to anchore their opening-day victory.

But Petron’s resolve will be put to a tough test as it faces a young and hungry Generika side.

Featuring rising stars Chloe Cortez, Shaya Adorador, Gen Casugod and Wensh Tiu with veteran playmaker Rubie de Leon at the helm, the Lifesavers bounced back from a Foton defeat to beat Standard Insurance-Navy in four sets.

Focus will also be on the RC Cola-Army-Cignal duel with the Lady Troopers coming from a three-set demolition of Amy’s and Cignal reeling from a four-set loss to the Cargo Movers.

RC Cola-Army coach Kungfu Reyes said they are planning to go all out against the HD Spikers to brush off the rust in his veteran-laden squad. 

“We have to switch our game a notch higher,” said Reyes, who will bank on seasoned setter Tina Salak as well as Honey Royse Tubino, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Daquis anew.

Meanwhile, the league, bankrolled by KLab Cyscorpions, Asics, Grand Sports, Mikasa, Mueller and Senoh with TV5 as official broadcast partner, conducted its first tryout for the team that will compete in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship on Oct. 18 at the Mall of Asia Arena.