Superliga goes to Malolos today

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

Opening day winners RC Cola-Army and F2 Logistics clash for the early lead as action in the 2016 Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference women’s volleyball tournament shifts to Bulacan today at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center.

The Lady Troopers toppled the Foton Toplander, 25-17, 25-9, 25-22, in their first game after a three-year hiatus with the former champions fancied to get past the Cargo Movers, who whipped the San Jose Builders, 23-25, 25-10, 25-4, in a duel of newcomers last Thursday. But despite their edge in firepower and experience, the Lady Troopers remain wary of their rivals in the 1 p.m. main game.

Foton tries to rebound from that straightset setback as it plays San Jose at 3 p.m. in the other match in the second elims playdate of the tournament sponsored by Asics, Mikasa, Senoh, Mueller and Grand Sports with TV5 as official broadcast partner.

“It’s still premature,” said RC Cola-Army coach Kungfu Reyes, downplaying their title chances. He pointed to Petron, Cignal and Foton as the other teams to beat in the conference.

Meanwhile, the twinbill marks the second time that the league is holding matches at the historic city of Malolos, which produced a score of volleyball players.

“We’re glad to welcome the PSL and some of its Bulakeña players back to our city,” said Mayor Christian Natividad. “We hope that they will have a grand time and inspire our youth to do well in sports, particularly in volleyball.”

Honey Royse Tubino, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Rachel Anne Daquis are again expected to lead RC Cola-Army’s charge along with setter Tina Salak, middle blocker Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo and spiker Joanne Bunag.