RC Cola clobbers Foton in PSL opener

Games Tomorrow (Malolos Sports and Convention Center) 1 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs RC Cola- Army 3 p.m. – New San Jose Builders vs Foton

RC Cola-Army delivered a strong message in its first game back from a three-conference hiatus by easily dispatching last year’s Grand Prix champion Foton, 25-17, 25-9, 25-22, yesterday in the opener of the Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference at The Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Troopers showed why they are favored to win a record fourth title in the first conference of the interclub women’s volleyball tournament as they leaned on Honey Royse Tubino and Jovelyn Gonzaga to beat the Toplanders in just 68 minutes.

Tubino had 11 points highlighted by 10 spikes while Gonzaga fired eight kills for nine points to lead the Army attack.

“Hindi namin matago yung gigil, pero teamwork talaga yung nagdala. Yung excitement andun eh, pero looking forward kami sa mga susunod na laro,” said Army coach Kungfu Reyes.

Reyes, however, expects tougher battles ahead after beating a Foton side that is missing the services of three players who were part of the squad that beat star-studded Petron in the Grand Prix finals.

Foton entered the conference without the towering Jaja Santiago, setter Ivy Perez and libero Fatima General, who are concentrating on their stints with National University in the UAAP.

Patty Orendain led Foton with nine points while Danna Henson and Angeli Araneta contributed five points apiece.

Rookie teams New San Jose Builders and F2 Logistics are playing at presstime.

F2 Logistics made its debut with new recruit Aby Marano, who joined the team after winning two championships with Petron.