Cignal is now being tipped as the heaviest contender when the 2016 Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix fires off on Oct 8 at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan.
After a major overhaul, the HD Spikers are expected to dominate the field with the return of former Most Valuable Player (MVP) Venus Bernal and the recruitment of Janine Marciano, Stephanie Mercado, Mylene Paat, Lourdes Patillano and Filipino-American setter Shawna-Lei Santos into the team.
They will be powered by 6-foot-5 open spiker Laura Schaudt of the United States and Lynda Morales, who skippered the Puerto Rican national women’s team in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics this year.
Reigning champion Foton also had a massive upgrade with the recruitment of 6-foot-3 Dindin Manabat to join her sister, 6-foot-5 Jaja Santiago, Maika Ortiz and Angeli Araneta at the middle position. Last year’s MVP, Lindsay Stalzer will be back and will conspire with Ariel Usher in helping the Tornadoes defend the crown.
Seasoned Serbian guru Moro Branislav will call the shots after replacing Fabio Menta of Italy.
Not to be outdone, F2 Logistics, RC Cola-Army, Generika and Petron will also parade souped-up rosters.
The Cargo Movers will still be bannered by Aby Marano, Cha Cruz, Mika Reyes, Ara Galang, Kim Fajardo and the core of UAAP champion La Salle.