Struggling Cocolife and Sta. Lucia hunt for the elusive first victory when they collide in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference today at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
Action starts at 6 p.m. with both the Asset Managers and Lady Realtors itching to barge into the win column of this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled by Isuzu, Senoh, Sogo, Asics, Mikasa, Mueller, UCPB Gen and Bizooku with Genius Sports as technical provider.
Meanwhile, Petron seeks to keep its hot streak going when it faces resurgent Cignal at 4 p.m., while Generika-Ayala tackles Smart in the 2 p.m. opener of this league that also has ESPN5, Aksyon TV and Hyper HD as broadcast partners.
Petron remains on top of the standings after blazing to a 4-0 start, while erstwhile leader Foton fell to second spot following a straight-set loss to F2 Logistics late Thursday, 15-25, 13-25, 13-25.
But all eyes will be on the main game.
After a super slow start, the Asset Managers had the golden opportunity to finally pluck their first win when they dragged the Giga Hitters to a deciding fifth set in their previous game last Thursday.
But luck was simply not on their side.
Gretchel Soltones caught fire and dug deep from her well of experience to dominate in the crucial stretch of the fifth, prompting the Asset Managers to absorb a 25-16, 18-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-11 heart-breaker.
Filipino-American recruit Kalei Mau was the lone bright spot as she finished with 25 points laced with 15 digs and 27 excellent receptions for the Asset Managers, who remain winless in four starts.
“We are such a young team and we are very patient with our development,” said Cocolife coach Moro Branislav, who handles a team that is composed mainly of college players who are getting their first taste of tough competition.
“But winning a game or two will be very good as far as their morale and confidence are concerned.”
But posting their first victory will not be a cakewalk.
Sta. Lucia, a team hobbled by injuries, is also treating this game as a perfect way to gain momentum and start its winning run.
Although their previous game against Generika-Ayala resulted to another three-set disaster, head coach George Pascua is not running out of patience, knowing that they are doing their best to avoid a complete shutout.
“We will try our best to win again on Saturday,” said Pascua, whose wards are in the bottom of the standings with a 0-5 mark.
“Our morale remains high. We know that we are fighting without our top scorer (MJ Philips) so we will do everything to win.”
With Philips out due to shoulder injury, Pascua is pinning his hopes on former Ateneo ace Jhoanna Maraguinot, Rebecca Rivera, Micmic Laborte and skipper Pamela Lastimosa.
Games Today (Caloocan Sports Complex)
2 p.m. — Smart vs Generika-Ayala
4 p.m. — Cignal vs Petron
6 p.m. — Cocolife vs Sta. Lucia