PSL: Petron stakes clean slate, tests Generika

MANILA, Philippines — Whether the long layoff will take its toll on unbeaten league-leader Petron will be known when it clashes with Generika-Army Wednesday in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference volleyball at Cuneta Astrodome.

The Blaze Spikers, powered by rookie sensation Dindin Santiago, have won three straight games to become the league’s team to watch.

But the Lady Troopers also have a three-game winning streak to show before the two-week break.

“She (Santiago) is the anchor of that team (Petron). She will be our biggest problem,” said Generika-Army coach Rico de Guzman.

But the former University of Santo Tomas spiker said they will be ready against the power-hitting Santiago because of their complete team anchored on veteran setter Tina Salak.

Generika-Army is coming from a 25-21, 27-29, 25-20, 25-21 victory over RC Cola-Air Force before the league took a break to give way to Cagayan Friendship Games.

In men’s division, PLDT-Air Force will battle Cignal at 4 p.m. before Systema and Via Mare collide at 6 p.m.

PLDT-Air Force recently thrashed Instituto Estetico Manila (25-17, 25-21, 25-22) for their fifth straight win.

The 6-foot-2 Santiago has been on a roll in the PSL, amassing 91 points in her first three games in the semi-pro leagueDe Guzman admitted that they will need major defensive adjustments and equally potent offense anchored on crowd darlings Rachel Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga plus seasoned spiker Mary Jean Balse.

“Petron is made up of young players who can play at a high level,” said De Guzman.

Providing support for Santiago are Gretchen Ho, setter Mary Grace Masangkay and libero Jen Reyes