Petron wants PSL Invitational title this time

With the Philippine Superliga Invitational 2018 coming up, expect Petron to bring their A-game as they look to make up for a mishap that happened the last time this tournament was played.

Blaze Spikers head coach Shaq Delos Santos said they are more eager to get back on track after losing to Japan’s Kobe Shinwa University and Cignal in the finals last year.

“Our loss before in the Invitational Cup is a good experience for us because it made us realize that we really need to step up and be more careful every game,” said Delos Santos in Filipino at the press conference Thursday at Amelie Hotel in Malate.

Kobe Shinwa shared the PSL Invitational title with Cignal after dismantling Petron, 25-17, 25-19, 21-25, 25-18 last year.

“Definitely, we really want to get this [championship] that’s why we’ll give our best this time,” said Delos Santos.

Now that the tournament will reinstate the special playing regulations that will require all teams to play their whole lineup, Delos Santos said they will ask their second stringers to level up their game.

“We’ll definitely push the other players especially the bench players to improve their conditioning and to really give their best because they’ll all be playing in the game,” he said.

Delos Santos will also be banking on senior players Ces Molina, Mika Reyes, Aiza Maizo and their veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan in their bid to get another PSL title after capturing the Grand Prix crown last May.

Other teams participating are Generika, F2, United Auctioneers, Cherrylume, Cocolife, Smart, Sta. Lucia and Cignal.

The tournament will also feature the Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team. However, the games of the national team will be non-bearing matches.

PSL officials also explained that the national team players will be playing for their respective club teams when their games are held.

The Chooks-to-Go PSL Invitational Cup will start on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Ma. Angelica D. Garcia