Super Cup: PH team shuts down PSL Sparkle ahead of Tsukuba U match

Philippine volleyball national team at the Super Cup. PSL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines– The Philippine team played the kind of game expected of it, shutting the lights off PSL Sparkle, 25-12, 25-18, 25-18, Thursday night to remain unbeaten in the Philippine Superliga Super Cup at FilOil Flying V Center.

The national team, sharpening its weapons for the coming Southeast Asian Games, was never threatened in the match against PSL Sparkle — one of two team selections tapped for the week-long tournament.

But the toughest test will be on Friday when the Nationals face fellow unbeaten University of Tsukuba, the Japanese inter-collegiate champion.

Top hitter Kalei Mau didn’t suit up for the Nationals as she was suffering from whiplash. But she is expected to see action against the youthful Japanese squad.

Despite the presence of national pool setter Alohi Robins-Hardy in the PSL Sparkle side, the Philippine team was able to control the PSL Sparkle’s offense while unleashing its own weapons.

Ces Molina exploded with 17 points, while rookie Eya Laure helped up with 12 markers for the Nationals.

“I think our biggest improvement was communications because of the time we spent together training outside the country,” said Molina in Filipino.

Laure said: “We are jelling very well now in every situation especially in our floor defense.”

But Molina said they still have a lot to work on with such a little time.

“Hopefully against University of Tsukuba we can work on them and sustain our level of play,” Molina added.