UNBEATEN Pool C leader Foton seeks its fifth straight win against Generika-Ayala, while Petron and Cignal clash for solo second place in Pool C today in the Philippine Superliga (PSL) All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
The Foton Tornadoes clash with the Lifesavers (2-2 won-lost) at 5 p.m.
The Blaze Spikers and HD Spikers, who are tied at second place in their Group C identical 3-1 cards, face each other at 7 p.m.
After posting a four-set win over erstwhile unbeaten Cignal over the weekend, the Tornadoes have occupied the top of the standings, giving them an edge in their match against the Lifesavers, who are still licking a four-set loss to Petron, 25-21, 24-26, 25-21, 25-18, last Tuesday.
The HD Spikers and Blaze Spikers, on the other hand, are jostling for a better ranking in the crossover quarterfinals.
Petron Coach Shaq de los Santos said facing Cignal would not be a walk in the park, especially after the HD Spikers beat them in four sets in the first round.
In that match, the veteran trio of Rachel Anne Daquis, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Honey Royse Tubino attacked relentlessly, while blockers Cherry Vivas and Maica Morada and seasoned liberos Jheck Dionela and Sha Torres did superb jobs at the defensive end.
“It’s going to be a tough match,” said de los Santos, who is looking forward to another dogfight against the wards of former Petron tactician George Pascua.
“They have the firepower and they have good blocking. We have to prepare hard for this battle. I’m sure they will be ready, as well,” de los Santos added.
De los Santos noted that they would be marching in full force with Bernadeth Pons back in uniform after attending her graduation in their last match and Sisi Rondina recovering from a mild sprain.
Mika Reyes, Ria Meneses and Remy Palma will also be there to man the net and seasoned playmaker Rhea Dimaculangan will orchestrate the attack in what looms as another intense and dramatic battle.