By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Today
(Muntinlupa Sports Center)
4:15 pm – Cocolife vs Smart
7:00 pm – Foton vs Cignal
Foton eyes a share of the early lead while expansion team Smart makes its much-awaited debut today when they take on separate rivals in the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.
The Tornadoes are determined to make it two in row and join idle Petron Blaze Spikers on top as they collide with the dangerous Cignal HD Spikers at 7 p.m.
Though it is on a rebuilding process, Foton appeared in good hands under first-year coach Rommel Abella as the Tornadoes turned back the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers, 25-19, 22-25, 25-16, 25-22, in the season opener.
“Having a strong start is always a major advantage,” said Abella, a three-time champion coach in the Premier Volleyball League. “That’s why I keep on telling the team to go all out against Cignal.”
Also looking to do the same are the Giga Hitters who will try to pass their initial test with flying colors at the expense of struggling Cocolife Asset Managers, losers of their first two matches, in the 4:15 p.m. opener.
Under the tutelage of Ronald Dulay who will be assisted by Zenaida Chavez, Smart is raring to make a good account of itself early on behind the presence of former Army stars Patricia Torres, Tin Agno, Genie Sabas and Jeanie Delos Santos.
Former La Salle star Maureen Penetrante-Ouano and ex-Adamson playmaker Janet Serafica, along with promising Cherilyn Sidayen, LaRainne Fabay and Roselle Urriza, will try to provide enough support to imports, Cuban Gyselle Silva and Serbian Marija Jelic, to help the Giga Hitters’ realize their initial goal.
“We may be new, but we’re going to be a fighting team,” said Dulay, who will try to take advantage of his familiarity with the Asset Managers after serving as their assistant coach last year.
The HD Spikers, who suffered a four-set loss to the Blaze Spikers over the weekend, are determined to get back on track behind impressive import Jeane Horton and Sonja Milanovic as well as skipper Rachel Anne Daquis, Jheck Dionela, Cherry Vivas, Acy Masangkay and Janine Navarro.
