The stage is set for the highlight of the 2017 PSL Invitational Cup
Members of the Cignal HD Spikers, the Petron Blaze Spikers, and the Foton Tornadoes, together with the PSLm welcomed fellow finalists Kobe Shinwa Women’s University with a press conference, Tuesday afternoon at Robinson’s Magnolia.
With the warm welcome they received, Kobe Shinwa team manager Masataka Nakaue, on behalf of his team, extended their gratitude to the league and their soon-to-be opponents.
“On behalf of the university, I’d like to extend our gratitude to Mr. Suzara. We are so honored to be part of this tournament,” Yamamoto shared.
The three coaches present vowed to give their Japanese visitors, who have an average age of 20.4 years old, a good fight, just like they had given last season’s visitors, EST Cola.
“I’m very happy for this Japan team. Japan is a very traditional program. I’ve played a lot of Japanese team[s] before. I hope that my team plays at a maximum level when we face them,” Foton head coach Moro Branislav shared.
“Very excited to play against the Japanese team. Hopefully, magkaroon ng intense at exciting games,” Cignal head coach George Pascua added.
“We promise to give you a good match on Saturday,” vowed Petron official Mabel Reyes, speaking on behalf of Shaq delos Santos, who was coaching the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in their victory against the University of the East Lady Warriors.
But most importantly, PSL President Ramon Suzara just wants the young Japanese team to enjoy what Manila has during their four-day stay.
“This is the highlight of the Invitational tournament of the conference. Last year, we featured Est Cola. I’d like to thank the Japan Volleyball Federations for bringing Kobe Shinwa University,” Suzara said.
“I hope they get to enjoy Manila but I know they are serious in beating Petron, Foton, and Cignal.”
Kobe Shinwa will face Foton tomorrow, Cignal on Friday, then Petron on Saturday. All games will be held at 7:00pm at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.