By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Strong Group Athletics and Capital1 Solar Energy are looking forward for a dream debut when they go up against established rivals in the opening of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The SGA Spikers square off with the talent-laden Petro Gazz Angels in the 4 p.m. curtain raiser while the Solar Spikers tangle with the dangerous Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the 6 p.m. nightcap.
Led by veteran coach Onyok Getigan, SGA will be parading a lineup composed of aspirants from the amateur scene and former professionals.
Expected to provide sparks are former Jose Rizal University standout Dolly Verzosa, opposite spikers Souzan Raslan and Sheeka Espinosa, middle blockers Lilet Mabbayad and Grenlen Malapit, outside spiker Javen Sabas, and setter Sarah Verutiao.
But they will be up against a formidable Petro Gazz cast backstopped by hard-hitting MJ Phillips and Brooke Van Sickle, as well as Djanel Cheng, Myla Pabl and Aiza Pontillas.
Capital1, meanwhile, also boasts of an experienced coach in Roger Gorayeb, along with a promising cast spearheaded by Heather Guino-o, Jannine Navarro, Jorelle Singh and Patty Orendain.
“Gutom sa playing time ang mga iyan, so they have this great desire to win games. Abangan nyo na lang sila,” said Gorayeb.
Owned by sisters Mandy and Milka Romero, the Solar Spikers expect rough sailing considering their limited time to prepare but they are unfazed to face their rivals.
Chery Tiggo won the 2021 Open Conference title and is coming off a fourth-place finish in the Second All-Conference which ended last December.
The Crossovers also have an intimidating cast composed of new recruits Aby Maraño and Ara Galang along with mainstays Jaja Santiago, Jasmine Nabor and sisters Eya and EJ Laure.
Meanwhile, matches will be played every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays where all 12 teams will compete in a single-round robin eliminations. The Top 4 squads will undergo a single-round robin semifinals with the Top 2 teams competing in the best-of-three finals.
