By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix hits the championship round beginning today with the best-of-three finals series between Petron Blaze Spikers and F2 Logistics Cargo Movers kicking off.
After topping the elimination round with identical 7-1 records, both Petron and F2 Logistics held their own in the quarterfinals and semifinals to set up the finals pairing which begins battle at the Filoil Flying V Centre at 7 p.m.
The Blaze Spikers are making their fourth consecutive finals appearance in the season-ending conference while the Cargo Movers are looking for their first Grand Prix crown since joining the league last year.
Last held the Grand Prix title in 2014, Petron coach Shaq delos Santos said they are “hungry” to regain the championship.
“We know that for the past two years, we’re always being beaten by Foton for the title. That’s why winning the title this time means a lot to us. We are very hungry and we will do everything to win it. It’s no longer a question of roster, imports or any other factors; it’s now a question of heart and desire,” said Mr. Delos Santos, who is counting on the core of Mika Reyes, Rhea Dimaculangan, Ces Molina, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and imports Hillary Hurley and Lindsay Stalzer.
On the part of F2 Logistics, it hopes to make its Grand Prix run one to remember with the team on top in the end.
The Cargo Movers got the better of the Blaze Spikers in their lone encounter so far in the Grand Prix, winning in four sets, 25-21, 20-25, 25-23 and 25-19.
In said game held at the University of St. La Salle Gym in Bacolod City, F2 Logistics was powered by imports Maria Jose Perez and Kennedy Bryan.
Cargo Movers coach Ramil de Jesus said the Grand Prix is one tournament they want to win after claiming the All-Filipino tournament in 2016.
“We want to experience how it feels winning the Grand Prix,” said Mr. De Jesus, who will also rely on the play of local players Kim Fajardo, Majoy Baron, Aby Maraño and Dawn Macandili to see their championship quest through.
Prior to the Game One of the finals, tangling for third place are the Foton Tornadoes and the Cocolife Asset Managers.
PSL matches are shown live over ESPN5.
