MANILA, Philippines - The 2015 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix gets going this weekend with Lynda Morales of RC Cola-Air Force, Bojana Todorovic of Philips Gold and Christina Alessi of Meralco bannering a slew of talented imports raring to display their wares before local fans.
The three are tipped to become instant sensations owing to their impressive credentials, vast international experience and, of course, lovely faces when the league kicks off at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna Saturday.
A 6-foot-1 middle blocker, the 27-year-old Morales is touted as a gem of an import as she remains an active member of the Puerto Rican women’s national volleyball team. In fact, she will not arrive until Friday as she is still competing in the World Grand Prix in Turkey.
She will team up with Sarah McClinton, who emerged as one of the best volley players out of Kansas University.
“We haven’t personally seen Lynda, but I think she is the player we badly need,” said RC Cola-Air Force coach Rhovyl Verayo. “She is a middle blocker and an experienced international campaigner. She will be the anchor of our defense and will play an active role in our offensive attack. I think we found a gem in her.”
Also expected to generate attention are Todorovic and Alessi.
Todorovic is a 5-foot-11 outside hitter who led a prestigious US National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I program in University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) to the national title in 2011. She will partner with 6-foot-5 Alexis Olgard.
On the other hand, Alessi competed for Palm Beach Atlantic University also in the US NCAA and gained significant international experience after playing import in a commercial league in Sweden. She will team up with Liis Kullerkann, who played for Ohio University before suiting up for the Estonian national team in the 2014 FIVB World Championships.