AirAsia, Petron seek PSL semifinal berths

MANILA, Philippines — AirAsia and Petron, both sputtering after sizzling starts, seek semifinal berths against separate rivals Sunday in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference women’s volleyball tournament at Cuneta Astrodome.

The Flying Spikers, now reinforced by former collegiate star Michelle Gumabao, tangle with the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns at 5 p.m. while Dindin Santiago will lead the Blaze Spikers against the PLDT TVolution at 3 o’clock.

The winner between Petron-PLDT will battle RC Cola-Air Force while the AirAsia-Cagayan victor will square off with top team Generika-Army in similar knockout semifinals next week.

Pacesetter PLDT Air Force, meanwhile, stakes its immaculate slate against cellar-dweller Via Mare at 7 p.m. as action in the second round of the men’s division begins in this competition organized by Sports Core with Solar Sports as official broadcast partner.

Gumabao added extra muscle to AirAsia which already boasts crack rookie Aby Marano, and regulars Stephanie Mercado, Micmic Laborte and Cha Cruz.

But AirAsia coach Ramil de Jesus, who is also La Salle mentor, remained wary of the Lady Rising Suns’ vast experience which will come in handy in this do-or-die game.

“Cagayan is an organized and very disciplined team. But it is defense that will give us the win,” said De Jesus. “We have to stop their open and middle hitters. It’s going to be a dog fight.”

Meanwhile, the organizing Sportscore will hold a two-day VIS Clinic next weekend at St. Giles Hotel, Makati City with Gianni Cerillo an accredited FIVB VIS lecturer as main speaker.