By Kristel Satumbaga
File Photo shows the Petron Blaze Spikers winning the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix title. The team underwent a major overhaul this year, losing most of its key players.
A revamped Petron Blaze Spikers crew remains positive of its chances in retaining the title when the 2020 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix blasts off on Saturday at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Blaze Spikers are gunning for a three-peat crown, but with almost a new cast after some of their veteran standouts parted ways with the team.
Among those who left were Mika Reyes, who now plays for the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors, Rhea Dimaculangan, who joins Generika-Ayala, and power hitters Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons.
The team is also parading a new coach in multi-titled mentor Emil Lontoc, who filled in the shoes of Shaq Delos Santos.
Lontoc believes in his stalwarts’ capabilities despite losing some star power.
“Basta magtiwala lang sila sa sistema, maaangat namin yan,” said the 70-year-old coach, who handled the national team between 1991 and 1995.
The Blaze Spikers still have firepower left with Ces Molina, Aiza Pontillas, Remy Palma and Ging Balse-Pabayo spearheading the squad. Reinforcing them in this import-flavored conference is American wing spiker Katherine Bell, last season’s Best Outside Spiker.
Completing the cast are Mary Anne Esguerra, Rebecca Rivera, Jem Gutierrez, Roselle Baliton, Fritz Joy Gallenero, Angelica Legacion, Lutgarda Malaluan, Mary Joy Onofre, Bien Elaine Juanillo, Angela Nunag and Mary Grace Berte.
“Yung chemistry, yan naman ang inaayos namin sa training. Handa naman kami diyan,” Lontoc said.
The Blaze Spikers raise the curtain on Saturday with a 5 p.m. matchup against Generika-Ayala in this double-round robin elimination.
END IT.
Source: Manila Bulletin
Xtra Sports ph 