Petron still a powerhouse despite exodus of stars

Former Petron Blaze Spikers line-up. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Two-time champion Petron is undergoing a massive-rebuilding—from the inside.

That was the assessment of Philippine Superliga president Ramon “Tats” Suzara of the 2014 Grand Prix and 2015 All Filipino champion which recently let go of big-name stars like Aby Maraño and Rachel Daquis.

“A team with championship tradition like Petron knows how to build up its roster and groom superstars,” said Suzara. “They are still very much a powerhouse team.”

He believes Petron is brimming with enough talent waiting to be tapped, including hitter Frances Xinia Molina.

The former San Beda stalwart managed to earn her playing time and even ran away with the second best opposite spiker award last year despite playing alongside the so-called “Three Queens”—Maraño, Daquis and Dindin Manabat—during last year’s Grand Prix.

At 5-foot-11, Molina is expected to bring in the necessary firepower for Petron along with new recruits CJ Rosario, Bang Pineda and Aiza Pontillas.

Among the holdovers are Fille Cayetano, Mina Aganon, Maica Morada, Jen Reyes, Acy Masangkay and Mayette Zapanta. Manabat will sit out the entire season as she is due to to give birth to her first child.