Petron leaning on Bell in PSL finals vs F2

MANILA, Philippines – Newly hired Katherine Bell will play a crucial role as Petron clashes with F2 Logistics in Game One of their Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix best-of-three finals series Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos said Bell’s vast international experience and ability to play multiple positions would serve as their main weapon to stop the Cargo Movers from capturing their second straight Grand Prix title.

Gaining an early momentum means a lot to the Blaze Spikers.

Last year, Petron also took Game One only to fade in the crucial stretch of Game Two that led to a massive downfall in Game Three.

It was an emotional series as American import Hillary Hurley of Petron played through a swollen ankle while Venezuelan Maria Jose Perez of F2 Logistics was nursing a broken heart following the death of her brother.

The Cargo Movers emerged victorious, leaving the Blaze Spikers puzzled on how to wage a major comeback in what is billed as the toughest, most competitive conference in Philippine volleyball.

“For us, the biggest challenge is what happened last conference,” said Delos Santos, who served as assistant of George Pascua when Petron tallied a masterful 13-0 sweep of the All-Filipino Conference in 2015.

“We are given another opportunity so we’re accepting the challenge and, hopefully, we can finally get the Grand Prix title. We haven’t won the Grand Prix since 2014 so this is very special.”

Since that dramatic series, a lot of changes happened to F2 Logistics and Petron.

The Cargo Movers retained Perez and Kennedy Bryan but lost De La Salle University stars Majoy Baron, Desiree Cheng, Kianna Dy and Dawn Macandili so they can focus on their campaign in the UAAP.

Ramil de Jesus, the 10-time UAAP champion coach, also took a breather from the Cargo Movers’ bench as the Lady Spikers are engaged in their own best-of-three finals series against Far Eastern University.

With practically half of the team gone, the Cargo Movers tapped Japanese libero Minami Yoshioka and Michelle Morente while activating Ara Galang to join the core of Aby Marano, Kim Fajardo and Cha Cruz.

The Blaze Spikers came in intact except for one major addition – Bell.

The 6-foot-1 former University of Texas star came in as a last-minute addition to replace Hurley, who was assessed with a recurring ankle injury.

She has a vast international experience after seeing action in club teams for countries like Puerto Rico, South Korea and Turkey.

And for Delos Santos, she would play a pivotal role in this series.

“Katherine is here for only a couple of weeks so she’s flying under the radar. It’s a huge advantage for us,” said Delos Santos, referring to Bell who is giving Stalzer, Frances Molina and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas some flexibility at the attack zone.

“She’s a perfect fit for the team and very open-minded. She’s an all-around player who accepts her role and is easy to play with. Her teammates are upbeat when they’re playing with her.”

Delos Santos added that this year would be different.

“I like our chances this year,” he said before excusing himself to join his team in its final huddle shortly after defeating Cocolife in their best-of-three semifinal series.

“The chemistry and communication of the team have greatly improved and our morale is very high. Personally, I’m so excited. I can’t wait to start this finals series.”