RC Cola-Army and Foton warm up for the inaugural match in the Superliga PH Invitational Cup at in San Juan Arena. MARC REYES
RC Cola-Army wasted no time in announcing its return.
The three-time champion Lady Troopers, coming back to the league after a hiatus, scored an easy straight sets victory over an incomplete Foton Toplander lineup Thursday night at the start of the Philippine Superliga Invitational Cup at The Arena in San Juan City.
Already a complete team playing in different leagues, RC Cola-Army wasn’t threatened by the Toplander throughout, flashing the shades of its old championship poise and impeccable teamwork to score the lopsided 25-17, 25-9, 25-22 win.
Rachel Anne Daquis also returned to the team, scoring seven points.
“I may not be the most senior or the best player in the team but I provide the ‘positive vibe,’” said Daquis. “I communicate to my teammates and try to boost their morale on and off the court.”
Daquis played for Petron for two conferences in the absence of the Army franchise.
“I didn’t have to make a big adjustment,” said the 2015 All Filipino Most Valuable Player.
Honey Royse Tubino topscored with 11 points, while team captain Jovelyn Gonzaga had nine for the Lady Troopers, who won the first three conferences of the league from 2013 to middle of 2014.
“We can’t hide the smiles,” said RC Cola coach Emilio “Kungfu” Reyes. “We are very happy and thankful that PSL and RC Cola allowed us to come back to the league. It’s a good homecoming for us.”
Foton missed the services of middle spiker Jaja Santiago and setter Ivy Perez, who are fulfilling their duties to National University in the ongoing UAAP.