THE Petron Blaze Spikers and Meralco Power Spikers clash in a battle of opening-day losers in the Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix doubleheader on Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan.
The Blaze Spikers failed to open their title bid on a high note last Saturday, losing to Cignal HD Spikers in five sets, 25-18, 25-17, 16-25, 18-25, 14-16.
Coming into the 4:15 p.m. match, Petron Head Coach George Pascua is expected to draw fire from his powerhouse lineup, led by Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Abi Maraño, Rachel Ann Daquis, Frances Molina, and imports Erica Adachi and Rupia Inck.
The defending champions flaunted a collective effort in a losing cause in the tournament opener in Biñan last Saturday. Manabat led the charge with 16 points, while Maraño chipped in ample contribution of 14. Daquis, Molina and Inck added nine each.
The Ramil de Jesus-coached Meralco Power Spikers also had lethargic performances and succumbed to the Foton Tornadoes, 23-25, 22-25,16-25.
Meralco’s reinforcements—Christina Alessi and Liis Kullerkann—topscored in the loss with 10 and eight points, respectively.
The Power Spikers will count on a better showing from De La Salle standouts led by skipper Cha Cruz, Stephanie Mercado, Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo and Mika Esperanza.
All eyes will be on import Ariel Usher, who exploded with 31 hits in her PSL debut, as Cignal will go up against another strong contender, Philips Gold Lady Slammers, in the second match at 6:15 p.m.
Usher will be backed by her co-import Amanda Anderson, who chipped in 11 points last Saturday, and Fritz Gallenero, who had 14 in their upset of Petron.