Cebu leg of Phl Super Liga unfolds today at USC gym

CEBU, Philippines - A fast-paced, action-packed volleyball show is expected when the first offering of the PLDT Home DSL Philippine Super Liga (PSL)-All Filipino Conference "Spike On Tour!" Out-of-town Series unfolds this 4 p.m. at the University of San Carlos-Main gym.

All four teams are excited to showcase their wares in the Queen City of the South, known to be a milling ground of top-caliber spikers in the country.

"We are all very happy na nakarating kami dito sa Cebu. It's our first time to play outside of Luzon area, so lahat excited," said Cignal HD head coach Macky Carino.

More to it, Carino is confident that they can deliver the goods and bounce back from their previous loss.

Team Cignal hopes to capatalize on its so-called 'homecourt advantage' with Cebuano players n Mike Abria, Emmanuel Luces and Ken Abunda in its roster, but the Systema Active Spikers is unfazed well-rounded actor/sportsman Richard Gomez could easily get the crowd to cheer for them as well.

Carino said they have to put up better defense and play with high level of intensity as they take on Cignal.

For its part, Cignal HD said they have already jelled as a team as compared to their first round performance.

"We are aware of this homecourt advantage that Cignal may have here, but with Richard Gomez with us, I believe we can also get the crowd's support tomorrow (today)," said Andre Pareja of Systema in a press conference yesterday at Casa Verde-Ramos.

In women's play scheduled at 6 p.m., the Petron Blaze Spikers will go up against AirAsia Flying Spikers.

AirAsia will again count on the spiking prowess of Michelle Gumabao, who is  back on active service after being booted out from the Pinoy Big Brother reality TV show.

Gumabao humbly said though that she is still far from top form and that fans should lower their expectations on her.

"Mahirap pa na sa loob ng dalawang buwan nasa loob ka ng bahay, di ka nakakagalaw. Pero feeling ko naman makakabalik ako sa laro ko. Dahan-dahan lang. Sa mga nag-expect, kuntian nyo lang po," said Gumabao in slight jest.

On the part of Petron, the coaching staff bared that the equally-amiable Gretchen Ho will be in their lineup.

"One hundred percent injury-free na ang mga players namin so expect us to have a good game," said coach George Pascua.

Meanwhile, all ringside seats have already been sold out. Some bleacher tickets are still available but can only be purchased at the venue itself. (FREEMAN)