Petron, F2 kick off best-of-3 for Superliga’s crown jewel

Games today (Mall of Asia Arena)

4 p.m. – Cignal vs Generika-Ayala (Battle for Third)

6 p.m. – Petron vs F2 Logistics (Finals Game One)

MANILA, Philippines — Volleyball superpowers Petron and F2 Logistics seek to draw first blood as they fire the opening salvo in their battle for the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference crown today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Engaged in a title confrontation for the fifth straight tournament, the defending champion Blaze Spikers and the Cargo Movers set out to dish out a five-star performance at 6 p.m. to gain the headstart in the race-to-two showdown for the PSL’s crown jewel.

“We’re happy to be in the finals, but we’re not yet done with our mission,” said Petron coach Shaq delos Santos, whose charges won all their 12 assignments on their way to the championship.

Petron stands two wins away from matching its unbeaten title romp in the 2015 AFC but with the Cargo Movers, their conquerors in the Invitational Conference last August, on the opposite side, the Blaze Spikers know they will have to bleed for a sweet sweep.

“F2 is such a tough team that performs best when the stakes are high.  I’m sure they did their homework and will show up prepared. We have to be ready. It’s going to be a tough battle,” said Delos Santos.

F2 coach Ramil de Jesus said with a strong cast of starters and second unit, Petron may have the edge in manpower in this matchup but he expects his wards to rise to the occasion and go toe-to-toe with their rivals.

“Petron has a solid support staff, I know coach Shaq can utilize his second stringers the same way he’s playing his starters. But at the end of the day, only six players will see action inside the court. So I think if we can adjust well, we have a good chance of winning over them,” said De Jesus.

Rhea Dimaculangan, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Frances Molina, Mika Reyes, Bernadeth Pons, Sisi Rondina, Remy Palma and Angelica Legacion are expected to carry the fight for Petron while Cha Cruz-Behag, Ara Galang, Aby Marano, Kim Fajardo, Majoy Baron, Kianna Dy, Michelle and Dawn Macandili spearhead F2’s bid.

Meanwhile, Cignal and Generika-Ayala battle it out for the bronze at 4 p.m.