MANILA Philippines — Sta. Lucia Realty upgraded its firepower as it recruited noted collegiate stars for the Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference starting June 23.
The Lady Realtors formally announced their acquisition of former Ateneo de Manila University star Jhoanna Maraguinot, Far Eastern University stalwarts Jeanette Villareal, Toni Rose Basas and Carly Hernandez as well as University of the East middle blocker Roselle Baliton, making them a solid force to be reckoned with in the upcoming conference.
According to head coach George Pascua, these collegiate stars have what it takes to help them reach their ultimate goal, which is to win their first title since joining the country’s most prestigious league last year.
“We’re all excited to have them on the team,” said Pascua, the architect of Petron’s historic sweep of the All-Filipino Conference in 2015.
It’s going to be Maraguinot’s baptism of fire after leading the Lady Eagles to a Final Four finish in the recent UAAP wars.
On the same note, Villareal and Hernandez will also be making their debut and are expected to blend seamlessly with holdovers MJ Philips, Rebecca Rivera, Rubie de Leon, Rica Rivera and Michelle Laborte.
Meanwhile, Basas last saw action for Petron while Baliton suited up for Generika-Ayala last year.
Things were not rosy for the Lady Realtors in the previous Grand Prix with Canadians Marisa Field and Kristen Mocks as well as Ukrainian Bohdana Anisova as reinforcements.
Despite posting an earth-shaking win over erstwhile unbeaten Petron, the Lady Realtors still failed to advance to the semifinals after succumbing to eventual bronze medalist Foton in the quarterfinals.