Power Spikers eye big finish in Shakey’s V-L

MANILA, Philippines - Two-time UAAP MVP Aby Maraño hopes to provide the spark and the power lacking in past Meralco campaigns as the Power Spikers go all-out for a first-ever crown in the Shakey’s V-League which gets under way Sunday with the Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan.

Maraño and company struggled and wound up fourth in the Reinforced Open late last year but the Power Spikers have nothing to go but up in the upcoming tournament with the former La Salle star eager and the rest of the squad raring to slug it out with the best in the fold.

That includes defending champion Philippine Army, perennial title contender Cagayan Valley, a souped-up PLDT Home Ultera side, Philippine Navy and newcomers Baguio City, Fourbees and Philippine Coast Guard.

Meralco won’t be seeing action until April 7 when it faces Navy but the Power Spikers couldn’t wait to showcase their wares in the top-level tournament presented by PLDT Home Ultera and sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza.

For one, Maraño, also one of the league’s top blockers, will be backstopped by a slew of talented hitters, including Stephanie Mercado, Zharmaine Velez, Maica Morada with Fille Cainglet-Cayetano hoping to provide the experience and poise along with April Hingpit, Jen Reyes and Celine Hernandez.

Coach Brian Esquivel also hopes to draw the best from Faye Guevara, Wensh Tiu, Charmille Belleza, Angelica Legacio, Arianna Angustia and Charleen Cruz as the Power Spikers try to level up against the likes of powerhouse teams Army, Cagayan and PLDT.