Lindsay Dowd and Kayla Williams, both half-Filipinos, will suit up for Philips Gold and Foton, respectively, when the 2015 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix kicks off this Saturday at Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
Dowd, who played for University of California-Davis in the United States NCAA Division 1, will be the main setter for the Lady Slammers replacing another Filipino-American, Iris Tolenada. The 5-foot-9 Dowd is a veteran of the Swiss pro leagues.
Williams, a 5-foot-10 Filipino-Jamaican, played for Grambling State University. She is expected to lend the Tornadoes her vast experience from playing in pro leagues in Latvia, Bahamas and Russia.
Dowd and Williams are expected to strut their wares in the conference already teeming with foreign reinforcements.
Philips Gold coach Francis Vicente is upbeat regarding their chances as Dowd will join forces with imports Bojana Todorovic and Alexis Olgard, who hail from California.
“Lindsay’s arrival turned us into a serious contender,” said Philips Vicente who will have a rotation that also includes Myla Pablo, Michele Gumabao and Desiree Dadang.
Vicente added: “She’s a legitimate NCAA Division I campaigner who plays fast and smart. She’s very vocal and is not afraid to take the responsibility of becoming a leader inside the court. She will play the role very similar to what Iris played during the All-Filipino Conference.”
Williams grew up in Toronto, Canada, and was invited to play for the Jamaican national women’s team. But she chose to give the Philippines a try. She will have to create chemistry with Foton imports Katie Messing and Lindsay Stalzer.
PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said they encourage half-Filipinos to see action in the league and give them a chance to don the Philippine colors in international meets.