Final slots at stake in 2 do-or-die
Games Today (Mall of Asia Arena) 4 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs Cocolife 6 p.m. – Petron vs Foton
A certified powerhouse aims to cut short an emerging force’s dream run while two super teams rekindle their rivalry today in a pair of do-or-die semifinal matches in the 2017 Chooks-to-Go Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Top-ranked F2 Logistics looks to sustain its fiery form while upstart Cocolife intends to continue its giant-killing ways as they square off for the first finals berth at 4 p.m. before an expected sellout crowd.
The Cargo Movers, who hardly broke a sweat in bundling out Iriga City Oragons via straight sets in the quarterfinals last Tuesday, are bracing for a tougher grind against the Asset Managers who pounced on the depleted Cignal HD Spikers, 25-23, 25-23, 25-20, the other night.
“Making it to the semifinals is a big achievement to our team,” said Cocolife coach Kungfu Reyes.
A bigger share of the spotlight will fall on the main match at 6 p.m., with 3-peatseeking Foton colliding with reigning All-Filipino titleholder Petron in what promises to be a slam-bang affair.
The Blaze Spikers have the edge after they slowed down the Tornadoes’ fearsome attack unit of high-flying Serbian import Sara Klisura, Dragana Perunicnic, Jaja Santiago and Maika Ortiz in the course of their 25-21, 25-22, 12-25, 25-20 victory in the eliminations.
But Foton’s Serbian coach Moro Branislav is unfazed, confident he has enough tools to neutralize Petron’s potent weapons led by former reinforcement Lindsay Stalzer, American Hillary Hurley, locals Frances Molina, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Mika Reyes and Rhea Dimaculangan.
“Foton likes playing contra Petron,” he said following Foton’s hard-earned 21-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-17 quarterfinal victory over Sta. Lucia Thursday.
While Foton appears to have their number in recent meetings, Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos believes his wards are motivated enough to return the favor this time.
“We know that Petron and Foton have a little rivalry. And we’re in a situation where we can’t afford to lose. We don’t have the luxury to adjust because one loss and we’re out. We have no choice but to play our hearts out,” he said.