Tough draw awaits PSL team in women’s club tilt

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Superliga All-Star squad braces for a tough outing as it clashes with a slew of elite teams from Europe and South America in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship set Oct. 18-23 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The home team landed on a strong Pool A led by European champion Pomi Casalmaggiore of Italy, South American powerhouse Rexona Ades of Brazil and Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul of Turkey following the drawing of lots last week.

The PSL stars will kick off their bid on Oct. 18 against the Brazilians before facing the Italians after a one-day break then tangling with the Turkish for a chance to move past the group stages.

Pool B, on the other hand, features Asian powerhouse teams in Bangkok Glass of Italy and Hisamitsu Springs of Japan as well as VakifBank Istanbul of Turkey and Volero Zurich.

“Nothing will be easy. We have to work hard to give these tough teams a very good fight,” said PSL president Ramon Suzara. 

The PSL All-Star team will be bannered by a select group of local aces headed by Rachel Anne Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga of RC Cola-Army, Jaja Santiago of Foton, Kim Fajardo of F2 Logistics and Ces Molina and Jen Reyes of Petron. Another local player will be named tomorrow when the league holds its matches at the De La Salle Lipa Sentrum in Lipa City.