Superliga set to invade Cebu skeds Volleyball clinic, action-packed games this weekend

CEBU, Philippines - In an effort to bring volleyball closer to its devoted fans, the Philippine Superliga makes its way here in Cebu for a weekend full of exciting activities featuring the cream of the crop of the volleyball field.

Players, coaches, and staff of Cignal HD Spikers, Systema Active Smashers, AirAsia Flying Spikers, and Petron Blaze Spikers will be introduced to the media on July 4 at 12 nn at the Casa Verde-Ramos branch.

Immediately following the press conference, 50 lucky children ages 8-16 years old from the Gawad Kalinga communities of Lorega, Maguikay, and Eversley will get a chance to get up close and personal with their idols at the University of San Carlos.They will take part in a volleyball clinic to be conducted by the participating PSL teams.

All eyes will be on July 5 for the main attraction of the weekend, where Cebu City’s premiere learning institution will bear witness to the showcase of talents as it plays host to an action-packed double-header featuring four of the top volleyball clubs in the country.

If adrenaline-pumping, high-flying, hard-hitting action is your thing, you are in for a treat as the men’s division kick things off, with the Cignal HD Spikers taking on the Systema Active Smashers at 4 p.m.

It will be a homecoming of sorts for Cignal’s Mike Abria, Emmanuel Luces, and Ken Abunda as they return to the city where they started their quest to be the best volleyball player they can possibly be. Their fellow Cebuanos will surely be rooting behind their hometown heroes as the HD Spikers try to keep their distance with league-leading PLDT Air Force.

Meanwhile, the Active Smashers, headlined by celebrated actor Richard Gomez, is out to prove that they can play the game. Chris Macasaet, Mark Lee, and AJ Pareja, are expected to lead the Systema attack towards victory. Also expect Rocky Honrade to make his presence felt in the match.

The nation’s finest volleybelles take the hard wood on the second contest as it will be the AirAsia Flying Spikers going up against the Petron Blaze Spikers at 6 p.m.

Tournament favorite AirAsia struggled recently, coming up short in back-to-back outings despite two consecutive victories opening the season. Led by their sweet-serving captain Cha Cruz, the team finally managed to snap out of their funk with a win against PLDT. The Flying Spikers hope to build another streak in the positive direction as the league reaches the final stages of its classification phase.

Standing in their way is Dindin Santiago and the rest of the Blaze Spikers who have been on a tear as of late, dismantling the opposition with vicious attacks spearheaded by the first overall pick. Thus far, Santiago is performing as good as advertised, as the team’s lead scorer in all their matches, including an incredible 30-point performances in her first two games as a pro. Petron hopes to leave Cebu still on top of the women’s division.

Selling of tickets will begin today and are priced at P200 and P150.  (FREEMAN)