The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers and Generika Lifesavers will gun for an early lead when they tackle separate foes in the 2016 Philippine Superliga (PSL) All-Filipino Conference women’s at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Cargo Movers will square off with Amy’s Kitchen at 6 p.m. Featuring former De La Salle University superstars like Aby Marano, Cha Cruz, Kim Fajardo, Mika Reyes, Ara Galang and Paneng Mercado, F2 are billed as a team to beat, having a deadly brew of youthful firepower and championship experience.
In their debut game, F2 displayed a glimpse of their deadly form, dominating another powerhouse in Cignal, 25-12, 23-25, 25-20, 25-11, in front of a massive crowd that came to witness the Lady Spikers’ first game since winning the UAAP women’s volleyball crown.
The Cargo Movers had the luxury of dipping into their deep bench when their starting six underwhelmed.
But there should be no room for complaceny for F2 Logistics.
Amy’s, a team composed of spikers from perennial NCAA contenders University of Perpetual Help, had three-time RC Cola-Army on the ropes before surrendering a 19-25, 17-25, 18-25 setback.
Towering Lourdes Clemente was the bright spot as she tallied three blocks and a pair of aces for 10 points to pace the Spikers, who are eager to gain redemption after closing the Invitational Conference without a single win.
“Lahat ng team kailangan namin paghandaan,” said F2 Logistics coach Ramil de Jesus. “Hindi kami pwedeng basta-basta na lang papasok sa laro, lahat ng team kailangan pag-aralan lalo na this season na lahat ng team talaga malakas.”
Also expected to draw another fantastic weekday crowd is the battle between Generika and Foton at 4:00 p.m.
After flying under the radar in the pre-season, the Lifesavers finally made heads turn as they survived a gritty Standard Insurance-Navy side, 28-26, 26-28, 25-20, 25-19, prompting sideliners to declare them as dark horses.
University of Santo Tomas stars Chloe Cortez and Ria Meneses played splendid music with University of the East smasher Shaya Adorador, former Far Eastern University blocker Gen Casugod, and former La Salle hitter Wensh Tiu to lift Generika to their first win. Veteran playmaker Rubie de Leon served as the conductor with 34 excellent sets.
They will be stacked against another well-balanced team in Foton.
The Tornadoes, who dropped their opening-day game to Petron in three sets, will bank on other former UST aces like Maika Ortiz and Rhea Dimaculangan as well as current stars EJ Laure and Cherry Rondina, who will be guided by Jaja Santiago, Angeli Araneta and Carol Cerveza.
“What I have is a collection of stars from various UAAP schools,” said Generika coach Francis Vicente. “The biggest challenge is how we can make them work together. We’ll see it when we face Foton in the next game.”
