F2 begins PSL title defense, tests heavyweight Petron

MANILA, Philippines — Heavyweight Petron gets its first major test when it opens its campaign against reigning champion F2 Logistics in the Rebisco-Philippine Superliga (PSL) All-Filipino Conference Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Blaze Spikers battle the Cargo Movers in the 7 p.m. nightcap of an explosive triple-header.

Sta. Lucia, meanwhile, displays its re-tooled roster when it faces Cignal at 3 p.m. while Cherrylume and Cocolife try to bounce back from a sorry opening-day setback when they collide in 5 p.m. second match.

Bannered by the core of University of the East, the Iron Lady Warriors suffered a straight-set loss to Foton, 21-25, 16-25, 17-25, while the Asset Managers were dominated by Generika-Ayala, 14-25, 25-23, 15-25, 14-25, late Tuesday.

Captain Michele Gumabao was the lone bright spot as she delivered10 attacks to finish with 12 points for the Asset Managers, who were obviously still adjusting to the system of seasoned mentor Kungfu Reyes.

On the other hand, Patty Jane Orendain, Gen Casugod and Fiola Ceballos carried the scoring cudgels as they finished with 12 points apiece while Angeli Araneta chipped in 11 markers for the Lifesavers of national team head coach Francis Vicente.

But all eyes will be on Petron.

After falling short last year, the Blaze Spikers waged a massive recruiting coup and signed UAAP stars Marivic Meneses, Cherry Rondina, Chin Basas and Ria Duremdes to join the powerhouse core of Mela Tunay, Mina Aganon, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Rhea Dimaculangan, Bang Pineda, April Ross Hingpit, Ces Molina and Mika Reyes.

The Blaze Spikers also recalled Bernadeth Pons and Remy Palma from Far Eastern University to make sure that they have enough firepower to duplicate their sweep of the All-Filipino two years ago.

Petron head coach Shaq Delos Santos, however, isn’t complacent.

“Yes, we are strong, but we still have to work hard and convert this powerhouse roster into victories,” he said. “A lot of work still needs to be done. We still have to develop our chemistry both inside and outside the court.”

Delos Santos said the Cargo Movers would be a tough nut to crack.

With veterans Aby Marano, Cha Cruz, Ara Galang and Kim Fajardo at the helm, F2 Logistics is tipped for another banner year as it parades the core of the La Salle squad that crushed Ateneo de Manila in the UAAP finals early this year.

Vastly improved Majoy Baron—the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player—will be back together with Kianna Dy, Aduke Ogunsanya, Desiree Cheng, Tin Tiamzon and star libero Dawn Macandili.

Joining them are Fritz Gallenero, Cherry Nunag and Filipino-American playmaker Shawna-Lei Santos.

“But it’s still going to be tough,” said F2 Logistics coach Ramil de Jesus, adding that the absence of national team players Fajardo and Marano in their pre-tournament buildup makes it difficult for them to defend their title.

“Everybody had also improved. We just have to work hard and hope for the best.”