Shopinas seeks tie for lead vs Philips

SHOPINAS shoots for a second straight win and a share of the lead when it battles Philips Gold while Mane ‘N Tail and Cignal collide in a clash between opening-day losers today in the Philippine Superliga All Filipino Conference at The Arena in San Juan.

It’s going to be an encounter among former La Salle spikers in the 2:30 p.m. game as the Lady Clickers, whose core is made up of former stars from the UAAP champion squad, battle the Lady Slammers now built around top grade La Salle hitter Michelle Gumabao and Melissa Gohing.

The Lady Stallions and the HD Spikers tangle at 4:30 p.m.

Shopinas won its debut game against Mane ‘N Tail last Thursday, but it faces a formidable foe in  Philips Gold, one of the pre-season favorites, which bowed to Petron in its first game.

Stephanie Mercado, Djanel Cheng, Wensh Tiu and Cha Cruz are the key players for the Lady Clickers, who are also mentored by La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus.

Gumabao downplayed her sentiments in going up against  former teammates although she said that she felt strange when she found former ally Aby Marano on the other side of the court during the Philips Gold-Petron game in the opener.

“I felt happy for her but we chose different paths. We will remain friends even though we are not teammates,” said the 22-year-old team captain, who is expected to get support from rookies Myla Pablo and Desiree Dadang and Rossan Fajardo.

Pablo topscored with 14 points in their first game against Petron while Dadang and Gumabao each had eight.

Cignal’s untested crew  will be spearheaded by Jannine Navarro, Lourdes Clemente and Jeannete Panaga while Mane ‘N Tail will bank on Jill Gustillo, Lilet Mabbayad, Danika Gendrauli and Honey Royse Tubino.