Petron adds Esguerra to loaded roster

MANILA, Philippines – Petron’s buildup for the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix continues.

After tapping a prized libero in Denden Lazaro, the Blaze Spikers will parade middle blocker Mary Anne Esguerra when they defend their title in the import-flavored conference starting Feb. 16.

The 5-foot-11 former Arellano University ace is a gem of a recruit.

She is a member of the celebrated Lady Chiefs side that won the National Collegiate Athletic Association women’s volleyball crown three times.

Then, she suited up for Cocolife in her maiden PSL campaign before donning the colors of Tacloban in the Premier Volleyball League.

Sources said Esguerra is now training with the Blaze Spikers to develop cohesion and chemistry with mainstays Rhea Dimaculangan, Mika Reyes, Remy Palma, Frances Molina and Bernadeth Pons.

She will take the spot vacated by Mary Jean Balse, who was already recalled by her mother unit in the Philippine Army.

“Yes, she’s already training with Petron,” said a source, speaking on condition of anonymity for lack of authority to divulge the matter.

At Petron, Esguerra is tipped to anchor the defense together with Lazaro, her former teammate with the Asset Managers.

They will be powered by American reinforcements Stephanie Niemer and Katherine Bell, making the Blaze Spikers a heavily-favored squad coming into the Grand Prix.