PLDT, Cignal dispute PSL title; women semis starts

PLDT Telpad-Air Force tries to retain the men’s title against Cignal today even as the crossover women’s semifinal gets going in the Philippine Superliga Volleyball Grand Prix presented by Asics at Cuneta Astrodome.

The Turbo Boosters, made up of the core of the national team, gun  for a second straight title in the one-game duel  against the HD Spikers at 6 p.m.

PLDT Telpad will be bannered by a powerful crew that includes Ran Abdilla, Ronjay Galang, JP Torres, Kheeno Franco and Jayson Ramos, while Cignal is out to pull through behind a tough crew led by Jay dela Cruz, Dexter Clamor, Gilbert Ablan.

It will be Petron against Cignal, and Generika versus RC Cola-Air Force in the women semifinals with the Blaze Spikers and the Life Savers expected to prevail and reach the finals.

Although losing two times late in the eliminations, the Blaze Spikers remain a formidable force against the HD Spikers, who also struggled before claiming the No. 4 slot.

Petron clinched the No. 1 spot with an 8-2 record while Cignal dropped  five of its last six games after a 3-1 start.

Generika closed out the eliminations with a resounding win over Petron which raised the prospect of both teams reaching the finals.  Imports Natalia Kurobkova and Miyu Shinohara have finally hit it off with the local Generika crew spearheaded by Aby Marano, Cha Cuz and Stephanie Mercado.

The Raiders will be led by Bonita Wise and Emily Brown.