RC Cola plays Foton in PSL return

Games Today (The Arena, San Juan) 3 p.m. – Opening Ceremony 4 p.m. – RC Cola- Army vs Foton 6 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs San Jose Builders

RC Cola-Army makes its muchawaited return today when it battles reigning Grand Prix champion Foton in the opener of the Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference at The Arena in San Juan.

The three-time champion Lady Troopers, back after a three-conference hiatus, are eager to show that they are still one of the country’s best volleyball clubs in their duel with the Toplanders in the first game of the PSL’s 2016 season at 4 p.m.

F2 Logistics and New San Jose Builders hope to make an impact in their debut when they lock horns at 6 p.m.

A short ceremony for first conference of the interclub tournament backed by Asics, Mikasa, Senoh, Mueller and Grand Sports is set at 3 p.m. with games to be shown live on TV5.

Army, which won the first three titles of the league, has been tipped as one of the title favorites with a veteran-laden roster led by Michelle Carolino, Nene Bautista, Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo and Joanne Bunag.

Also in the roster are stars Jovelyn Gonzaga, Honey Royse Tubino and Rachel Anne Daquis.

But Army coach Kungfu Reyes toned down expectations, saying their age could also be their biggest disadvantage.

“Yes, we dominated (the league), but that was three years ago. A lot of things already happened, a lot of young players already got stronger,” said Reyes, emphasizing that Salak, Carolino, Bunag may show signs of slowing down.