HEAVYWEIGHT Petron gets its first major test when it opens its campaign against reigning champion F2 Logistics in the Rebisco-Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Blaze Spikers battle the Cargo Movers in the 7 pm nightcap of an explosive triple-header bankrolled by Belo and Gold’s Gym with Mueller, Grand Sport, Mikasa, Mueller, Filoil Flying V Centre as technical suppliers.
Sta. Lucia, meanwhile, displays its re-tooled roster when it faces Cignal at 3 p.m., while Cherrylume and Cocolife try to bounce back from sorry opening-day setbacks when they collide in 5 p.m. second match of this tourney that also has TV5 as official broadcast partner.
Bannered by the core of University of the East, the Iron Lady Warriors suffered a straight-sets loss to Foton, 21-25, 16-25, 17-25, while the Asset Managers were dominated by Generika-Ayala, 14-25, 25-23, 15-25, 14-25, late Tuesday.
Captain Michele Gumabao was the lone bright spot as she delivered 10 attacks to finish with 12 points for the Asset Managers, who were obviously still adjusting to the system of seasoned mentor Kungfu Reyes.
On the other hand, Patty Jane Orendain, Gen Casugod and Fiola Ceballos carried the scoring cudgels as they finished with 12 points apiece while Angeli Araneta chipped in 11 markers for the Lifesavers of national team head coach Francis Vicente.
But all eyes will be on Petron.
After falling short last year, the Blaze Spikers waged a massive recruiting coup and signed UAAP stars Marivic Meneses, Cherry Rondina, Chin Basas and Ria Duremdes to join the powerhouse core of Mela Tunay, Mina Aganon, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Rhea Dimaculangan, Bang Pineda, April Ross Hingpit, Ces Molina and Mika Reyes.
The Blaze Spikers also recalled Bernadeth Pons and Remy Palma from Far Eastern University to make sure that they have enough firepower to duplicate their sweep of the All-Filipino two years ago.
Games Today
(Filoil Flying V Centre)
3 p.m. – Sta. Lucia vs Cignal
5 p.m. – Cherrylume vs Cocolife
7 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs Petron