Superliga finds new home in TV5, fires off Saturday

Games on Saturday:

(MOA Arena, Pasay City)

2:30 p.m. – Cignal vs Foton

4:30 p.m. – Philips vs Petron

MANILA, Philippines – A pair of talented and pretty rookie Fil-Ams, a new TV partner, a uniform innovation and a dynamic rule change highlight the Philippine Superliga’s All-Filipino Conference as it unfurls on Saturday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

Fil-Ams Iris Tolenada, taken in by Philips Gold as the first overall pick in this year’s rookie draft at the SM Aura last week, and Alexa Micek, who was tabbed by Petron, will face off in their debut as their teams clash in the second of the two-game opener at 4:30 p.m.

The other match is between Cignal and Foton at 2:30 p.m.

The league has also teamed up with a new television partner in TV5, Sports and Digital5 in broadcasting most of the games live, including some live-streaming to reach out to a broader base.

According to TV5, Sports and Digital5 head Chot Reyes, the partnership is for three years and possibly more.

“We’re a firm believer of volleyball and we champion it. And it is the reason we’re partnering with the Philippine Superliga for the next three years,” said Reyes in Tuesday’s league launch at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Reyes said matches will be shown on TV5 and Aksyon TV.

The league has also introduced a new uniform that will allow the lady players to wear “skorts” or short for shorts and skirts, which was introduced by Brazil in the World Club Championship a few years back.

Also, the league will also allow a video challenge, which gives teams the opportunity to challenge some calls.

“These new additions and changes are geared towards to make the league more exciting, dynamic and competitive,” said PSL president Ramon “Tatz” Suzara.

The league, which is now on its third season, has drawn six women’s teams this year — Petron, Cignal, Philips Gold, Foton, Shopinas and Mane N’ Tail.

Majority of the teams were in agreement that Petron is the team to watch out for, having formed a strong roster spearheaded by Abby Marano, Rachel Daquis, Mina Aganon, Fille Cainglet, Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Micek.

Petron mentor George Pascua, however, was quick to downplay their chances.

“I think all the teams are almost equal in strength,” said Pascua in Filipino.