Locals ready to challenge PSL imports

MANILA, Philippines - While the vaunted imports are tipped to make a major impact, homegrown talents vowed to hold their own as they go all out when the Philippine Superliga rolls out its season-ending Grand Prix this Saturday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

Maica Morada, skipper of two-time champion Petron, emphasized their readiness for the new challenges amid reports that the foreign players are the strongest, most skilled batch ever to play in the country.

The Blaze Spikers are coming off a stint in the 2015 AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship in Vietnam where they sharpened their offensive attacks, solidified their defense and developed their chemistry inside and outside the court.

Morada said the squad, led by the hard-hitting troika of Rachel Anne Daquis, Aby Marano, Dindin Manabat with Brazilians Rupia Inck and Erica Adachi as reinforcements, is more than ready for the war and will do whatever it takes to retain its crown.

“That trip to Vietnam made us realize the degree of difficulty of competing in an international competition,” said the soft-spoken Morada.

“But it made us stronger. It forged our bond and prepared us for the challenges of the PSL. We are now working on more combination plays on offense, improvement of our reception and net defense as well as communication inside the court in preparation for the Grand Prix.”

Like Petron, Philips Gold and Foton are also tipped to contend for the championship.

Lady Slammers captain Michelle Gumabao said local hitters like Myla Pablo and Desiree Dadang are blending well with Fil-Am setter Lindsay Dowd and imports Bojana Todorovic and Alexis Olgard.