Defending champs Petron, Foton begin PSL finals series

MANILA, Philippines – Volleyball fans are set for a thrilling Philippine Superliga Grand Prix finale as Foton slugs it out with two-time defending champions Petron in their best-of-3 finals showdown starting today, Thursday November 26 at the Cuneta Astrodome. 

Imports Rupia Inck and Erika Adachi are expected to lead the charge for the Petron side, together with a solid pool of locals led by the triumvirate of Rachel Ann Daquis, Aby Marano, and Dindin Santiago-Manabat.

Aside from a solid lineup bannered by some of the country’s local stars and remarkable imports, the Blazing Spikers will look to capitalize on their championship and international experience.

Petron did not only win the PSL Grand Prix title twice, but also represented the country in the AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship in Vietnam. Maturity and a winning mentality are two things Foton has to match to snatch the crown from Petron. 

“Foton is a good team. Pero angat kami kasi mga beterano na yung mga players ko,” Petron Head Coach George Pascua said in a post-game interview in the semifinals. 

(Foton is a good team but we have more advantage in terms of experience because most of my players are already veterans.)

The Blazing Spikers defeated Cignal, 25-20, 26-24,20-25,25-13, in their knockout game last Thursday, November 19. 

The Petron Blazing Spikers may be highly favored in this matchup, but the Foton Tornadoes should definitely not be underestimated. 

It’s the first time for Foton to make a finals appearance this year after finishing fifth last season. Coach George Pascua admitted that this is the most difficult season for his team as all the teams in the league have stepped up. 

“Lahat ng team ay unpredictable,” he said.

(All the teams are unpredictable.) 

True enough, the squads in this year’s Grand Prix are all set in equal footing as Foton’s trouncing of then top seed Philips Gold didn’t come as a shocker. The Tornadoes eked out a 18-25, 24-26, 25-18, 25-20, 8-15, win and formalized their entry in the finals last Thursday. 

“It’s a really big boost for the team. This is our goal. Once we reach our goal, we have to surpass it,” said Foton Coach Vilet Ponce-De Leon about on their win against Philips Gold.

Foton must sustain that momentum as they face Petron in the championship rounds. 

The Tornadoes will be banking on imports Kathleen Messing and Lindsay Stalzer, 

together with another six-footer, NU stalwart Jaja Santiago. The gelling of the squad has also vastly improved as setter Ivy Perez continues to complement the attacking of Messing and Stalzer. 

Coach Ponce-De Leon said they will be ready for any team. And they mean it. 

“We’re on the right track,” she added. – Rappler.com