Cignal, Cocolife try to rebound from defeats

After a straight-sets loss in their opening matches, Cignal and Cocolife will try to bounce back when they collide Saturday in the Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino Conference at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The HD Spikers, who lost to F2 Logistics, and the Asset Managers, who tumbled against defending champion Petron, will clash at 7 p.m., each hoping to set their bids on track after their initial setbacks.

Opposite spiker Mylene Paat—a revelation for the national team during her stint in the Asian Games—led the way for the HD Spikers with 12 points and is expected to be a vital cog in Saturday’s showdown.

On the other side, Kalei Mau, a Filipino raised in the US, hopes to follow up a strong PSL debut where she produced 13 points and 11 digs for the Asset Managers.

Meanwhile, Foton and Generika-Ayala will raise the curtain at 4 p.m.

Playing without the towering Santiago sisters Dindin and Jaja, who are both currently in Japan suiting up as imports, the Blue Tornadoes are aware of the big voids they have to fill.

Dindin signed with the Toray Arrows, while Jaja will see action with the Ageo Medics in the Japan V League.

“It’s a big challenge for us not having the Santiago sisters around for this conference. But we are confident our coaches will help us to adjust with the new system,” Foton setter Gyzelle Sy said.

Hungry for a title, Generika-Ayala will lean on veterans Patty Orendain, April Hingit and Ria Meneses to deliver the goods for the squad.

In the PSL Collegiate Grand Slam, University of the Philippines will face University of the East at 12 noon, while Colegio San Agustin will clash with University of Santo Tomas at 2 p.m.