PSL knockout semis unfolds

MANILA, Philippines — It’s do-or-die for Petron, Foton, F2 Logistics and Cignal as they figure in the knockout semis today in the Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center here.

Unbeaten Petron raises the curtain at 3 p.m. when it meets No. 4 Foton with a mission of extending their perfect run to the finals and boost its redemption drive. Third-seeded F2 Logistigs aim for the same goal against No. 2 Cignal at 5 p.m. in a rematch of the All-Filipino finals. The Cargo Movers are seeking their second straight title this year.

There will be no rest for the weary as the survivors of this sudden-death Final Four only get to rest a day before stepping to the plate for a one-game championship set tomorrow at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The tournament is being cut short to give members of the Philippine team ample time to prepare for the SEA Games in December. The PSL will also stage the Super Cup on Nov. 5, 7 and 9 with the Nationals being pitted against a university team from Japan and two PSL selections.

Petron looms as the toughest among the semifinalists as it carries an unbeaten run fueled by its hunger to reclaim its pride after being dethroned by Cignal in the All-Filipino despite a twice-to-beat edge in the semifinals.

“We have learned our lessons last conference so we will play in the semifinals with a mission of making sure that it won’t happen again,” said veteran playmaker Rhea Dimaculangan.      

Dimaculangan will have high-flying Sisi Rondina leading their way after a 33-point eruption against the HD Spikers with skipper Ces Molina, Bernadeth Pons, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Rem Palma providing support against the Tornadoes, who are missing the services of sisters Jaja Santiago and Dindin Santiago-Manabat.