PSL: Petron faces rising RC-Air Force

MANILA, Philippines — Petron tests its new-found might against RC Cola-Air Force Wednesday in the 2014 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix presented by Asics at Cuneta Astrodome.

With an unbeaten slate, brought forth by formidable trio of Erika Adachi, Alaina Bergsma and Dindin Santiago, the Blaze Spikers are heavy favorites going into the 4 p.m. match against the Raiders.

Generika and Foton face off in search of a breakthrough win at 2 p.m., while Cignal guns for a second victory in men’s action against debuting Maybank at 6 p.m.

Petron grabbed the solo lead with a crushing win over Cignal (25-17, 25-20, 25-23) last week.

In that game, Bergsma delivered 23 points, 20 of them on an attack set by Adachi.

The Brazilian setter is the ballast for an offense-heavy Petron that also relies on Santiago and Carmina Aganon.

The Raiders have displayed their firepower the past three matches, though it dropped a decisive game to idle Cignal at the start of the conference.

American reinforcements Emily Brown and Bonita Wise will lead RC Cola-Air Force, which is on a two-game win streak.

“We’ll be ready, that’s for sure,” said Petron coach George Pascua. “We used the long break to study their (Raiders) plays and come up with an offensive scheme that will foil their defense. RC Cola is a veteran team. ”

RC Cola-Air Force coach Rhovyl Verayo said they will pull all the stops against Petron, which he considers “the big fish.”