Smart beefs up roster in PSL Grand Prix
March 5, 2018 | 3:58pm
The Smart Giga Hitters will be bringing another import in Sanja Trivunovic and will also have the services of middle blocker Maureen Penetrante-Ouano.
Philippine Superliga / Roman Prospero
MANILA, Philippines — The help Gyselle Silva badly needs is finally on its way as Smart finally marches with a complete roster when it faces Foton in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix Tuesday at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center.
Action starts at 6 p.m. with the Giga Hitters looking to barge into the win column.
Silva, a former member of the Cuban national team, has been the toast of the crowd for her electrifying performance.
She erupted for 33 points against Cocolife followed by a brilliant 23-point effort against Petron, prompting sideliners to declare that she has what it takes to break the league’s scoring record chalked by Sara Klisura of Serbia last year.
But winning games takes more than just scoring.
With Silva as the only offensive option, the Giga Hitters struggled mightily and have yet to win a single set over their previous opponents.
Finally, two players will be coming to her rescue.
Smart head coach Ronald Dulay announced that their other import in Sanja Trivunovic and seasoned middle blocker Maureen Penetrante-Ouano would be finally reporting for duty to help the Giga Hitters stop the bleeding.
A trusted player of Serbian coach Moro Branislav and teammate of Sara Klisura and Tijana Boskovic for Partizan Vizura in the Serbian league, Trivunovic will be coming in to provide additional firepower for Smart.
Dulay said her arrival would greatly help Silva, making her fiercer, deadlier than ever.
“Finally, we’re now complete,” said Dulay, looking forward to another explosive performance from Silva.
“Expect us to play with a lot of spunk and a lot of grit with Gyselle and Sanja at the wings. Her (Sanja) arrival will give us another scoring option, giving us a good chance to compete against the giants of PSL.”
On the same note, Dulay couldn’t help his excitement over the arrival of Penetrante-Ouano.
He said the two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player for De La Salle University and bronze medalist in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games will serve as the anchor of their defense as she has the ability to defend the net against powerful imports.
In fact, she’s in great shape after leading Meralco to a championship victory in the MVP Olympics last week.
“Em (Penetrante-Ouano) will not only provide us strong defense at the net; she will also serve as our veteran leader on the court,” said Dulay, adding that Penetrante-Ouano will be part of his starting roster.
“She is a seasoned campaigner who used to be part of the national team. I’m sure she will guide our young players at the defensive end.”
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