Cignal tests Air Asia’s mettle in Super Liga

MANILA, Philippines — There could be turbulence up ahead for Air Asia.

Or at least that was the threat Cignal coach Sammy Acaylar sent across as he stressed that they will mess things up for the neophyte team when they tangle today in the PLDT Home DSL-Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino Conference volleyball at Cuneta Astrodome.

Acaylar, a veteran coach who recently steered the national women’s team to 8th place in the Asian Women’s Club Championships, said his team has enough experience and firepower to stop the Flying Spikers.

Air Asia debuted with a smashing 25-14, 25-19, 27-25 win over Cagayan Valley.

They lock horns at 4 p.m., after PLDT and Petron clash in the first game at 2 p.m. Men’s action caps the triple-bill with Via Mare squaring off with Instituto Estetico Manila at 6 p.m.

“They are young and fresh from a successful UAAP campaign,” said Acaylar, referring to Air Asia, whose core is made up of La Salle spikers.

“But we have the experience to defeat them. We will take advantage of their mistakes and make things difficult for them to execute plays.”

Acaylar will have at his disposal national team mainstays Michelle Datuin, Honey Rose Tubino and Jeck Dionela.

The Flying Spikers will parade two-time UAAP MVP Aby Marano, Stephanie Mercado, Cha Cruz, Michelle Laborte and Maureen Penetrante-Ouano.

Petron promises to move out of the cellar which had been its home the past two conferences as it brandishes a fortified team led by National University standout Dindin Santiago. The 6-foot-2 Santiago emerged as the top pick in the first-ever drafting.

She is expected to provide more muscle to the team also featuring Gretchen Ho.