Petron battles F2 Logistics in duel of titans

Games today (Alonte Sports Center) 12 noon – La Salle-Dasmarinas vs FEU (Collegiate Grand Slam) 2 p.m. – CSA-Binan vs UP (Collegiate Grand Slam) 4 p.m. – Cignal vs Generika-Ayala (All Filipino Conference) 6 p.m. – Petron vs F2 Logistics (All Filipino Conference)

Powerhouse squads Petron and F2 Logistics engage in an early clash of titans as they dispute pole position in the Philippine Superliga All Filipino Conference today at Alonte Sports Center in Biñan City.

The defending champion Blaze Spikers and the Cargo Movers, who figured in a thrilling finals showdown for the PSL’s crown jewel last year, stake their unblemished 3-0 records in the latest chapter of their storied rivalry at 6 p.m.

“Both squads have national team players so expect a dogfight,” said F2 coach Ramil de Jesus. “They’ve been together for quite some time now and we’ve been meeting in the finals for the past conferences so we already know each other well.”

“We have to prepare well and double our efforts because we’re up against a strong team,” said Petron’s Shaq delos Santos.

This hotly anticipated duel features two sides boasting of the deepest bench in the league and yet to drop a set in the prestigious conference.

Delos Santos has at his disposal setter Rhea Dimaculangan, middle blockers Mika Reyes and Remy Palma, open spikers Frances Molina, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, opposite hitter Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and liberos Pia Gaiser and Buding Duremdes.

For his part, De Jesus has the luxury of fielding Kim Fajardo as setter, Aby Marano and Majoy Baron as middle blockers, Ara Galang and Cha Cruz as open spikers, Kianna Dy as opposite hitter and Dawn Macandili as libero.

Cignal (1-2), meanwhile, shoots for its second win in four starts as it faces winless Generika-Ayala (0-2) at 4 p.m.

PSL action actually starts with the Collegiate Grand Slam doubleheader with debuting sides Far Eastern and La Salle Dasmariñas facing off at 12 noon and University of the Philippines gunning for its second straight win at 2 p.m. against Colegio San Agustin Biñan (0-1).