Lower teams jockey for position

Four teams in the lower half of the standings angle for better positions going into the pool play as they clash Thursday in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at FilOil Flying V Center.

Cignal HD and Sta. Lucia Realty, both sharing 3-3 marks, collide with Generika Ayala and Foton, respectively, in the penultimate day of the first elimination round. Matches start at 4:15 p.m.

Though all eight teams remain in contention at this stage, the clubs’ showing in this round will determine their rankings in the pool stage.

But with powerhouse Petron and F2 Logistics expected to be on opposite brackets, Sta. Lucia coach George Pascua believes winning their last game will carry a different weight.

“You really can’t choose between Petron and F2 Logistics. Both of them are very tough teams,” said Pascua. “A very convincing win would surely be a major morale-booster for us.”

But Sta. Lucia will have to put up with Foton, the sleeping giant in the conference which is languishing deep in the standings with a 2-4 record after massive revamp in the preseason.

“Foton is a very tall team,” said Pascua. “We have to work double time to break their blocking and come up with strong services to take away their first ball.” —MARC ANTHONY REYES