MANILA, Philippines — Two rejigged teams and two crippled squads take the explosive front act on opening day of the Philippine Superliga (PSL) 2020 Grand Prix at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan today.
New-look Sta. Lucia takes on the Grethcel Soltones-less PLDT squad in the 7 p.m. main game right after the interesting tussle between reigning champion Petron and former top setter Rhea Dimaculangan now with Generika-Ayala at 5 p.m.
A simple opening ceremony is set at 4 p.m.
Raring to make a turnaround from their lackluster campaign last year, the Lady Realtors pulled out all the stops during the offseason to build a roster that now looks formidable enough to be a legitimate contender.
Save for holdovers MJ Phillips, Pam Lastimosa and Amy Ahomiro, Sta. Lucia showcases a brand-new lineup featuring new acquisitions Bang Pineda, Djanel Cheng, Honey Royse Tubino, Mika Reyes, Fil-Am Jessica Vestal and Canadian import Shainah Joseph
“We’re a new team so we have that thirst for victory. We will work 100 percent to reach the finals. We’re not promising anything though other than giving our best shot every match,” said new coach Eddieson Orcullo.
The Lady Realtors have had their improvement as they’ve shown in their silver-medal showing in the pre-season.
Despite losing vital cogs in Soltones, Jerrili Malabanan and Jasmine Nabor, PLDT, meanwhile, has high hopes especially with the return of veteran mentor Roger Gorayeb.
Focus will also be on reigning champion Blaze Spikers.