All set for Superliga All Filipino Conference

MANILA, Philippines—With new innovations like the “skorts” and video challenge as well as a fresh batch of promising rookies, the Philippine Superliga women’s volleyball will usher in its third season with the All Filipino Conference on March 21 at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Cignal battles Foton in the opening game at 2:30 p.m. following the inaugural rites while powerhouse Petron clashes with promising neophyte team Philips Gold at 4:30 p.m.

The Blaze Spikers, led by prolific scorer Dindin Santiago-Manabat and talented libero Jen Reyes, added more muscle with the acquisition of Aby Marano and Rachel Anne Daquis.

They also snagged Fil-Am rookie Alexa Micek, who played as libero for North Carolina State but will be transformed into an opposite hitter.

“Petron will be the team to beat; the rest of the teams are on equal footing,” said Foton assistant coach Christian Fernandez during yesterday’s press conference, also held at MOA Arena.

But the coaches present during the gathering signified their readiness to challenge Petron.

PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said this is the league’s biggest season as far as the innovations are concerned. One of them is the new uniform—a cross between shorts and a skirt and will be called “skorts.”

“This captured international media attention when it was introduced by the Brazilian team in the World Club championships last year,” said Suzara.

He also announced the use of a video challenge, similar to the “hawk-eye” technology used in tennis.