Petron tests Foton in duel of favorites

Games today

(The Arena, San Juan)

4:15 p.m. – Meralco vs RC Cola-Air Force

6:15 p.m. – Petron vs Foton

MANILA, Philippines - After booking an impressive opening-day victory, Foton puts to the test its vaunted chemistry and toughness against reigning champion Petron in the 2015 Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix women’s volleyball tournament today at The Arena in San Juan.

The Tornadoes collide with the Blaze Spikers in the 6:15 p.m. main game while Meralco and RC Cola-Air Force fight it out for their first win at 4:15 p.m.

Cignal, which displayed tremendous grace under extreme pressure in pulling off a classic 15-25, 25-15, 25-17, 19-25, 16-14 win over Philips Gold before another large crowd late Tuesday, is on top of the team standings with a 2-0 win-loss mark. Foton is running second at 1-0 while Petron is behind at 1-1.

Import Ariel Usher erupted for 27 kills and two aces for a conference-high 30 points while her partner Amanda Anderson chipped in 18 markers for the HD Spikers, who are displaying better chemistry and teamwork with the arrival of veterans Michelle Laborte, Cherry Vivas and April Ross Hingpit as well as rookie Fritz Gallenero.

But all eyes will be on Foton.

Billed as one of the heavy contenders this conference, the Tornadoes further solidified their frontline with the addition of national team mainstay Jaja Santiago and the recruitment of veteran reinforcement Lindsay Stalzer and Katie Messing.

They also added  beach volleyball specialist Fiola Ceballos and libero Bia General for the much-needed floor defense to support local hitters Angeli Araneta, Patty Orendain and Royce Estampa.

The off-season overhaul immediately paid a handsome reward as the Tornadoes ran over the Power Spikers in the opener, 25-23, 25-22, 25-16, with the 6-2 Stalzer flaunting her old brilliance as she finished with 16 kills and two blocks for 18 points.

Although the 6-4 Santiago didn’t see action due to her commitment to her school, National University, in the UAAP, the Tornadoes still looked good and appeared headed for a major breakout this conference.

Foton’s strength will be severely tested against Petron,which swept the previous All-Filipino.

The Blaze Spikers started the Grand Prix on the wrong foot as they yielded a five-set decision to the HD Spikers in the opener. But they quickly recovered as they pulled off a quick, merciless victory over the Power Spikers, 25-15, 25-14, 25-19, also last Tuesday.