Fil-Ams, TV partner boost to Superliga

MANILA, Philippines - A pair of talented and pretty rookie Fil-Ams, a new TV partner, a uniform innovation and a  rule change highlight the Philippine Superliga’s All-Filipino Conference firing off Saturday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

Top pick Fil-Ams Iris Tolenada suits up for Philips Gold while Alexa Micek anchors the Petron side in what promises to be an explosive opening-day encounter between two of the league’s fancied teams at 4:30 p.m.

The other match pits Cignal and Foton at 2:30 p.m.

The league has also teamed up with a new television partner in TV5, Sports and Digital5, which will air most of the games live, including a live streaming.

“We’re a firm believer of volleyball and we champion it. And it is the reason we’re partnering with the Philippine Superliga for the next three years,” said TV5, Sports and Digital5 head Chot Reyes in yesterday’s league launch at the MOA Arena.

Reyes said the games will be shown on TV5 and Aksyon TV.

The league is also introducing a new uniform that will allow the lady players to wear “skorts” or short for shorts and skirts, which was introduced by Brazil in the World Club Championship a few years back.

Also, the league will also allow a video challenge, which gives team to challenge some calls.

“These new additions and changes are geared towards making the league more exciting, dynamic and competitive,” said PSL president Ramon Suzara.

The league, now on its third season, has drawn six women’s teams this year—Petron, Cignal, Philips Gold, Foton, Shopinas and Mane N’ Tail.

Majority of the teams were in agreement that Petron is the team to watch out for having formed a strong squad spearheaded by Abby Marano, Rachel Daquis, Mina Aganon, Fille Cainglet, Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Micek.

Petron mentor George Pascua, however, was quick to downplay their strength.

“I think all the teams are almost equal in strength,” said Pascua.