Petron, Shopinas start PSL title series

Games Today (Imus Sports Complex, Cavite) 4:15 p.m. – Petron vs Shopinas 6:15 p.m. – Philips Gold vs Foton

Petron and Shopinas start their best-of-three title showdown today in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference at the Imus Sports Complex in Cavite.

The series opener is set at 4:15 p.m. with the Blaze Spikers out to extend their winning streak to 13 since the pre- liminaries.

With a squad led by Aby Marano, Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Rachel Daquis, there’s no question that Petron has all the tools to capture its second straight crown.

However, Petron Coach George Pascua is not counting out Shopinas’ chances in the series.

“Shopinas is a dangerous team. Most of them are veterans who know what it takes to win in crucial situations. We just have to be our best,” said Pascua.

Petron produced contrasting performances during its two preliminary round encounters with Shopinas.

The Blaze Spikers had erased a twoset deficit to escape with a 21-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-16, 15-9 victory last April 6.

But it was smooth sailing for Petron in the second round as it romped to a 2519, 25-12, 25-23 victory two weeks later.

Shopinas advanced to the finals by beating Foton, 22-25, 25-23, 25-19, 21-25, 17-15, in the knockout semis.

While he admits that Petron has the advantage, Shopinas Coach Ramil de Jesus in banking on his players’ resolve in hopes of producing a huge upset.

“Ibang usapan na ang finals,” said de Jesus. “Alam naman natin na All-Star team ang Petron. Lahat sila magagaling. Kailangan maglaro kami ng may malaking puso at ma-maintain ang intensity namin at ma-convert ito sa panalo.”

Leading Shopinas are veteran Micmic Laborte, rookie Rizza Mandapat, Stephanie Mercado, Cha Cruz and Kim Dy.