Petron, F2 Logistics protect spots

Heavyweights Petron and F2 Logistics seek to keep their share of the top spot when they tackle separate foes in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference today at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

After ruling the previous Grand Prix and Challenge Cup Beach Volleyball competitions, the Blaze Spikers are out to inch closer to another title as they gun for their third consecutive victory against Generika-Ayala in the 4:15 pm second game of this prestigious club tournament bankrolled by Isuzu, SOGO Hotel and UCPB Gen with ESPN5, Hyper HD and AksyonTV as broadcast partners.

Also looking to occupy the ceiling are the Cargo Movers, who will clash with University of the Philippines-United Auctioneers, Inc. (UP-UAI) in the 7 pm featured encounter following the 2 pm encounter between the Philippine Team and Smart-Army.

The Nationals, however, will be missing six players from F2 Logistics bannered by skipper Aby Marano, Kim Fajardo, Majoy Baron, Kianna Dy, Cha Cruz-Behag and Dawn Macandili while Petron stalwarts Frances Molina and Mika Reyes are also not expected to see action.

Still, head coach Shaq Delos vowed to show up prepared for another impressive victory.

“We have to be more prepared because we’re going to miss players from Petron and F2 Logistics,” said Delos Santos, who guided Petron to a Grand Prix title last May.

“But I still believe that the remaining players can do it and will give their best,” he said.

But eyes will be on the Cargo Movers, who are looking to gain momentum before their gigantic battle with the Blaze Spikers this Saturday at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.

F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus said the Cargo Movers should continue to utilize the confidence they gained from a fourth-place finish in the 2018 Sealect Tuna Women’s Volleyball Championship in Sisaket, Thailand.

“It was a huge boost to the confidence of my players. At least they got to experience a higher level of competition,” said De Jesus before waging war in this tourney that also has Asics, Senoh, Mikasa, Mueller and Grand Sport as technical sponsors.

“The kind of system we saw in Thailand is what we’re trying to adapt right now more on fast set, quick attack and other things,” De Jesus said.

Aside from the six national team players, the Cargo Movers will also bank on current De La Salle stars bannered by Des Cheng, Aduke Ogunsanya, Tin Tiamzon and setter Michelle Cobb as they take on familiar foes led by Isa Molde, Jessma Ramos, Marian Buitre, Ayel Estrañero and rookie Nicole Magsarile.