THE 2015 Philippine Super Liga (PSL) Grand Prix kicks off with a doubleheader extravaganza on Saturday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
“This is the real Superliga,” Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) Vice President Pete Cayco said in the PSL press launch on Friday at Vikings, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
The Petron Blaze Spikers start their title defense against the Cignal HD Spikers at 1 p.m., followed by the Meralco Power Spikers’ debut against the Foton Tornadoes at 3 p.m.
“First game namin against them pero iba ‘yung imports nila. May adjustments naman ng konti kahit papaano pero ang advantage lang namin is and imports namin,” Petron Head Coach George Pascua told the BusinessMirror.
Petron boasts off their returning import, setter Erica Adachi, and new import, Inck Rupia Furtado, an outside hitter. Also heading Petron’s campaign are Rachel Ann Daquis, Abi Marano, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Fille Cainglet-Cayetano and Maica Morada.
The HD Spikers, however, will be spiced-up by their imports Amanda Anderson and Ariel Usher, along with top locals Michelle Laborte, Wensh Tiu and Angelique Dionela.
The other teams seeing in action are Philips Gold Lady Slammers and RC Cola Air Force Raiders. Organizers said a seventh team will join the league but withheld announcing its identity.
For the first time, a video challenge system will be used in the league which will help the referees, linemen and other officials review doubtful plays. The system will arrive on October 25 and it will be implemented in the second round starting on October 29.
“The video challenge was introduced by the FIVB [International Volleyball Federation] last year. I think it’s a good opportunity to use the video challenge,” PSL President Tats Suzara said.
Sports 5 will also install a giant LED screen at the venue for a clearer view for the crowd.
Also gracing in the press conference were Sports 5 Head Vincent “Chot” Reyes and FIVB Executive Council Stav Jacovi.
Jacovi, the head of the FIVB committee on the World Women’s Club Championships, announced that the Philippines will bid for the hosting rights of the 2016 championships.
Image credits: Nonie Reyes