MANILA, Philippines - Two-time Grand Prix champion Foton kicks off its drive for one title it longs to win as it takes on newcomer Cherrylume in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan today.
The Tornadoes, handled by coach Moro Branislav, hope to use their experience and bench depth against the Iron Lady Spikers, composed mainly of direct hire rookies after the league decided to forego its annual rookie draft, in Pool B.
Gametime is at 5 p.m.
Led by national team members Jaja Santiago and Maika Ortiz along with veterans Ivy Perez, Rubie de Leon and defense specialist Jen Reyes, Foton also boasts of UST star EJ Laure as well as new recruits CJ Rosario, Kyle Negrito, Roselyn Doria, Nica Guliman, Heather Guino-o.
Mary Ann Mendrez, Judith Abil, Jana Sta. Maria and playmaker Dana Disquitado, meanwhile, are tipped to carry the cudgels for the rookie squad that will be mentored by UE assistant coach Lerma Giron.
“We will work on our skills, on our character and on our attitude. I think we’ll learn a lot in this conference,” said Giron.
Cocolife, now mentored by UST coach Kungfu Reyes, and Generika-Ayala tangle at 7 p.m. in the other Pool B match.
Pool A is made up of defending champion F2 Logistics, Cignal, Petron and Sta. Lucia, which will make their respective debuts Thursday.