Superliga assures fans of competitive balance

A PSL Grand Prix game. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Despite the massive player movements in the off-season, the Philippine Superliga assured fans there will be a balance of power when the league unveils its 2016 season with the Invitational Cup on Feb. 18 at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Two new teams, F2 Logistics and New San Jose Builders, have built a roster of competitive players and both squads are expecting to be at par with Cignal and champion teams Foton, Petron and returning RC Cola-Army.

“What we have is a very balanced and competitive field,” PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said. “Like in the previous conferences, looking at the lineups alone, it’s anybody’s ball game. It all boils down to who wants it more.”

The Cargo Movers will be powered by Cha Cruz and Paneng Mercado. Boosting the lineup are power hitter Danika Gendrauli, and seasoned veterans Pau Soriano and Chie Saet, among others.

The NSJB Victorias will lean on University of Perpetual Help stars Coleen Bravo and Lourdes Clemente.

On paper, the Lady Troopers have a fearsome frontline with veterans Tina Salak, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Honey Royse Tubino and Rachel Anne Daquis.

The Toplanders tapped University of Santo Tomas legends Angeli Tabaquero, Rhea Dimaculangan and Maika Ortiz to make up for the absence of key players Jaja Santiago and Ivy Perez.

Santiago and Perez will skip the conference because they are tied with National University in the ongoing UAAP season.

Two-time champion Tri-Activ Spikers signed Bang Pineda, Aiza Maizo and collegiate hotshot CJ Rosario to work with holdovers Ces Molina, Mina Aganon, Jen Reyes and Maica Morada.

The HD Spikers will bank on a low-key roster led by Jheck Dionela and Micmic Laborte, who will join hands with former Holy Cross of Davao College ace Mary Jane Berte and Southwestern University hotshot Marlyn Llagoso.

Cignal also got the services of the nucleus of the reigning NCAA champions College of St. Benilde.