Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan)
5 p.m. – RC Cola-Army vs F2 Logistics
7 p.m. – Petron vs Foton
Defending champion Foton and Petron start their much-awaited title rematch today in the 2016 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix crown at The Arena in San Juan City.
Match is set at 7 p.m. with both the Tornadoes and the Tri-Activ Spikers eager to grab the early initiative in their best-of-three championship series.
Meantime, RC Cola-Army and F2 Logistics, two teams who yielded to Foton and Petron, respectively, in the knockout semifinals last Saturday in Legazpi City clash in the battle for third.
The Tornadoes outlasted the Lady Troopers, 23-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-15, 15-7, while the Tri-Activ Spikers swept the Cargo Movers, 25-23, 23-25, 15-25, 25-22, 15-10, to advance in the final round.
The Petron Tri-Activ Spikers are hoping this will be their time to shine and raise the championship trophy.
But for that to happen, they have to raise their level of game a notch higher.
Their reinforcements should match the fire and passion of their counterparts if they are to motivate the local teammates.
“We are the underdogs, but it’s hard to beat a team three times. We’re not the tallest team, but I’d like to think that we’re most driven and we have the bigger heart,” said Petron import Stephanie Niemer.
Foton holds a 2-0 advantage over Petron this conference but coach Shaq delos Santos is convinced his wards are fully motivated this time to beat the Tornadoes.
Foton import Lindsay Stalzer is unfazed of Petron’s challenge, saying: “We’d like to maintain just a little bit of groundedness, confident but not cocky.”
“Playing Petron this year is very different than last year. They have a strong team now, but I’m pretty confident that we know how to beat them. We beat them twice already, so we’re going to use it to our advantage,” Stalzer added.
