Petron, Foton dispute solo Superliga lead

Opening-day winners Petron and Foton dispute solo leadership even as Shopinas and Mane ‘n Tail clash today in the Philippine Superliga All Filipino Conference at Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

Coming off impressive straight-set wins in the inaugurals, the Blaze Spikers and the Tornadoes gun for win No. 2 at 4:15 p.m. in the meet’s first out-of-town venture.

Shopinas, which took the franchise given up by Air Asia, hopes to make a good impression in battling Mane ‘n Tail in the 6:15 p.m. encounter.

The Lady Clickers will count on former La Salle hotshots Cha Cruz, Stephanie Mercado and Micmic Laborte. Mentored by Ramil de Jesus, they will also bank on Wensh Tiu, Ariana Angustia and Djanel Welch Cheng.

De Jesus acknowledged the uphill battle they face after losing Aby Maraño and Michele Gumabao.

Maraño has joined Petron while Gumabao is now the main option of Philips Gold.

“It’s a challenging season for us, we have to work harder. But the good thing is, we can give other players a chance to shine,” said De Jesus.

The Lady Stallions will be coached by Rosemary Prochina, who helped the Philippines win its last gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in 1993.

Prochina will rely mainly on Jill Gustillo, Aby Praca, Lilet Mabbayad, Danika Gendrauli, Honey Royse Tubino and rookie Sam Dawson.

Rachel Ann Daquis, a stalwart of the powerhouse Army team, will debut for a Petron team already boasting of Maraño and Dindin Manabat.

Daquis missed the opening game against Philips Gold but Petron still handily won, 25-16, 25-18, 25-23, last Saturday.

Foton, bannered by Patty Jane Orendain and rookie Nicole Tiamzon, scored a 25-18, 26-24, 25-23 victory over young team Cignal also last Saturday.