Petron battles Generika as SuperLiga unfolds

TWO FANCIED teams boasting explosive imports kick off their bids in the 2014 Philippine SuperLiga (PSL) Grand Prix today at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Petron, beefed up by talented stunners Alaina Bergsma of the United States and Erica Adachi of Brazil, clash with Generika at 4 p.m.

“I don’t think we’re the strongest team this conference,” said Petron coach George Pascua, who will also bank on stars Dindin Santiago, Gretchen Ho and the returning Fille Cainglet-Cayetano.

“Other teams have also fortified their respective lineups. We still have to work hard and translate that strength into victories on the court.”

The Blaze Spikers will go up against a tough Generika side that tapped the core of UAAP powerhouse La Salle and imports Natalia Korovkova and Miyuu Shinohara.

RC Cola-Air Force, last conference’s  runner-up, and Cignal kick off the double-header at 2 p.m.

The Raiders, vying for a Finals return with new coach Rhovyl Verayo, will be headed by veteran international players Bonita Wise and Emily Brown along with local standouts Joy Cases, Judy Caballejo, Maika Ortiz and Rhea Dimaculangan.

Germans Lindsay Stalzer and Sarah Ammerman, meanwhile, will lead the HD Spikers along with Honey Royse Tubino, Abigail Praca and Jeck Dionela.

“We can’t say who has the advantage,” said Generika assistant coach Benson Bocboc, who will also lean on former La Salle stars Michelle Gumabao and Aby Maraño.

“It’s a wide-open race.”

PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and chair Philip Ella Juico will head the
1 p.m. opening ceremony together with International Volleyball Federation referees commission chair Ahmed Mohamed Hanafi Hassan and Asics Asia-Pacific marketing manager Kenji Oh.