Phl Super Liga Volleyball: Foreign bets show wares

Games today (Ynares Center, Pasig City)

2 p.m. – PLDT vs Cignal (women’s)

4 p.m. – TMS vs RC Cola (women’s)

6 p.m. – Maybank vs Giligan’s (men’s)

MANILA, Philippines -Eight foreign reinforcements strut their wares today as action in the Philippine Super Liga (PSL) Grand Prix volleyball resumes at the Ynares Center in Pasig City.

Last conference’s bridesmaid team Cignal parades its souped up roster when it faces PLDT at 2 p.m. while reigning champion TMS-Philippine Army hopes to flex its muscle against rookie squad RC Cola at 4 p.m. in the women’s division.

In the men’s side, Maybank tackles Giligan’s Restaurant at 6 p.m. in a bid to join the Richard Gomez-led PLDT-My DSL in the winners’ bracket.

Cignal will pin its hopes on former La Salle aces Chie Saet, Michelle Datuin and Maureen Penetrante-Ouano and Chinese guest players Li Zhanzhan and Xie Lei, who are raring to make good impressions in their debut.

But it wouldn’t be easy for the HD Spikers in this tournament organized by Sports Core, recognized by the International Volleyball Federation and backed by Asics, Mikasa, LGR and Jinling Sports with Solar Sports as its broadcast partner.

After finishing last the previous conference, PLDT is out for redemption. In fact, the Speed Boosters brought in American imports in former Kansas Jayhawk Savannah Noyes and Iowa State Cyclone Kaylee Manns, who are out to dazzle the crowd with their top-notch games.

Noyes and Manns are said to be the best pair in this batch of reinforcements as they have played professionally in Europe after their stints in the tough Division I of the US NCAA.

“Manns is a tall and smart setter while Noyes is a hard-hitting spiker,” Cignal coach Sammy Acaylar said. “We have to be ready against them. This is a very short tournament, so every win counts.”

Also expected to make waves early is the defending champion TMS-Philippine Army of coach Rico de Guzman, who is hoping to join opening-day winner Petron in the lead.

Obviously the oldest team in the six-squad field, the Lady Troopers pulled off a stunner when they won the crown last conference. 

This season, they further firmed their lineup by recalling Michelle Carolino, Tina Salak, Mary Jean Balse and the comely Rachel Daquis, who will be reinforced by Yuki Murakoshi of Japan and Wanitachaya of Thailand as guest players.

“Although we won the previous conference, I still consider my team to be the underdog because of our age,” de Guzman said. “The hunger is still there and my girls are ready for another shot at the title, however.”

Not to be outdone, RC Cola will be bannered by Chinese Zhang Minghua and Thai Sontaya Keawbundit with support to come from locals Ivy Remulla, Michico Castaneda and Jed Montero, who starred for the UP Lady Maroons before becoming an actress.