Asian Club Volleyball: Petron tossers open bid vs North Korea

Rachel Ann Daquis (left) and Abi Maraño. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

PHU LY, Vietnam—Well rested after a very long day of travel, Petron buckles down to work as it battles 4.25 Sports Club of North Korea in the opening match of the 2015 Asian Club Women’s Volleyball Championship on Saturday at Ha Nam Competition Hall here.

The Blaze Spikers take to the court at 5 p.m. (Manila time) eager to create an impact in this tournament where nine of Asia’s best club teams are disputing the continental slot in the FIVB World Women’s Club Championship next year.

The well-drilled North Koreans come into the game favored to win.

“We haven’t seen them yet, but we’re ready,” said coach George Pascua, who steered the Blaze Spikers to the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix and All-Filipino Conference titles.

Pascua said their Brazilian reinforcements—middle spiker Rupia Inck and setter Erica Adachi—are both in top shape while homegrown sensations Aby Marano, Rachel Anne Daquis and Dindin Manabat are also eager to test their skills against the best spikers in Asia.