Games Today
(Ibalong Centrum for Recreation, Legazpi City)
10 a.m. – Foton vs RC Cola Army (semis)
3 p.m. – Cignal vs Generika (classification)
5 p.m. – Petron vs F2 Logistics (semis)
The battle of the four strongest teams in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix heats up today when the crucial knockout semifinal round fires off at the Ibalong Center for Recreation in Legazpi City, Albay.
Top seed Foton seeks to bolster its title-retention campaign when it squares off with veteran squad RC Cola Army in the 10 a.m. curtain raiser, while No. 2 and multi-titled Petron confronts a young but dangerous F2 Logistics side at 5 p.m.
Sandwiched between the two intense matches is the classification match between Cignal and Generika at 3 p.m.
Finishing at the helm with a 9-1 mark after the preliminaries, Foton is relentless in its pursuit for its second straight crown against equally talented squads.
But the Tornadoes are aware of the Lady Troopers’ wide experience, having won three titles under different club names.
Foton Coach Moro Branislav hopes the 10-day respite would be enough for his stalwarts to adjust and eventually improve their tactics.
Foton needed five sets to win over RC Cola in its prelims meeting, 25-20, 20-25, 29-27, 21-25, 15-7, and Branislav anticipates another tough battle against their fourth-ranked foes.
Sharp hitters Lindsay Stalzer and Ariel Usher will continue to terrorize the attack lane for Foton, along with seasoned setter Rhea Dimaculangan and Dindin Manabat.
RC Cola, for its part, boasts of a formidable lineup composed of local bets Jovelyn Gonzaga, Royse Tubino, and Tina Salak who are teaming up with imports Hailie Ripley and Kierra Holts.
Like Foton, Petron is not taking F2 Logistics lightly despite its second seeding.