Balse reunites with ex-UST teammates at Petron in PSL

MANILA, Philippines – A reunion is in the offing as Mary Jean Balse formally joined Petron in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference starting October 30 at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

In the final roster submitted by the Blaze Spikers in the general technical meeting last Thursday, Balse was included in the lineup, reuniting her with former University of Santo Tomas teammates Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Rhea Dimaculangan as well as head coach Shaq Delos Santos and assistant coach Ian Fernandez.

Balse, Maizo-Pontillas and Dimaculangan played together with the Tigresses conquered the title in Season 69 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines before going their separate ways.

Balse joined Philippine Army while Maizo-Pontillas played for Cagayan Valley and Dimaculangan for Air Force.

Two years ago, Delos Santos formally got the nod to helm Petron and quickly tapped Maizo-Pontillas and Dimaculangan to serve as his cornerstones.

Balse, meanwhile, found herself bouncing around with Cocolife and Smart after the Lady Troopers took a leave of absence.

But now, they’re finally back and the Blaze Spikers are expected to come up with serious run to defend their crown.

“The talent is there. All we have to do is to work hard and develop our chemistry because we’re coming off a long break,” said Delos Santos, who also handled the national team in the Asian Games and AVC Asian Cup last month.

“We’re glad that Ging is here. At least we have another veteran player at the middle.”

Aside from Balse, Maizo-Pontillas and Dimaculangan, also tipped to carry the fight for the Blaze Spikers are Mika Reyes, Frances Molina, Bernadeth Pons, Remy Palma and Sisi Rondina with Pia Gaiser and Buding Duremdes serving as backline defenders.