MANILA, Philippines – Petron will march with an intact roster when the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference fires off this Saturday the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Head coach Shaq Delos Santos declared the Blaze Spikers' readiness to go to war, saying that the chemistry and maturity brought by their successful title run in the previous Grand Prix will help them overcome teams that have beefed up their roster.
Foton, for one, is coming in with a towering crew with the inclusion of Bea de Leon and return of Jaja Santiago, Maika Ortiz, Dindin Manabat, CJ Rosario and Gen Casugod while F2 Logistics will roll out the red carpet for Kianna Dy, Desiree Cheng, Tim Tiamzon, Michelle Cobb and former Most Valuable Player Dawn Macandili.
Sta. Lucia Realty also bolstered its roster with the recruitment of Jhoanna Maraguinot, Jeanette Villareal, Carly Hernandez and Roselle Baliton.
For Petron, its only inclusion are Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons and Buding Duremdes, who will replace the spots vacated by triumphant imports Lindsay Stalzer, Katherine Bell and Yuri Fukuda.
Ivana Agudo of Far Eastern University was also tapped to replace Luth Malaluan, who re-joined his Philippine Army teammates at Smart.
Delos Santos said they may not be as strong as other teams on paper, but they will work hard to capture their third title this year.
“We’re coming in with an intact roster, but our maturity and chemistry had greatly improved,” said Delos Santos, whose wards are the most victorious this year after winning the Grand Prix and Challenge Cup beach volleyball crowns.
“The Invitationals will be a tough battle so we have to work hard and prepare.”
Delos Santos, the head coach of the national team that will see action in the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, said the core of Mika Reyes, Rhea Dimaculangan, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Frances Molina and Remy Palma will be back together with shock troopers Carmela Tunay and Pia Gaiser.
“Nothing has changed, except that we’re more matured this time,” he said, adding that their dramatic finals duel with F2 Logistics in the previous Grand Prix made them stronger inside and outside the court.
“We’re drawing inspiration from that victory. If we did it before through sheer hard work, we can do it again if we will double our effort. Nothing is impossible.”