Philips, Cignal clash for third

Games today

1 p.m. – Philips Gold vs Cignal

3 p.m. – RC Cola-Air Force vs Meralco

MANILA, Philippines – Philips Gold and Cignal HD try to salvage some measure of pride following a pair of shattering setbacks as they dispute third place in the classification match in the Philippine SuperLiga Grand Prix women’s volleyball tournament at the Imus Sports Center in Cavite today.

Reeling from their losses to the surging Foton Tornadoes and the star-studded Petron Blaze Spikers last Thursday, the Lady Slammers and the HD Spikers face off at 1 p.m. in a match that will also mark the use of video challenge system for the first time.

“This marks the first time that we will use the video challenge system in a Spike on Tour event,” said PSL chairman Philip Ella Juico. “Knowing that the stakes are high and the matches are crucial, it is only fitting to treat volleyball fans of Imus City to an ultimate volleyball experience through the help of the latest technology in officiating. We’re looking forward to intense action and exciting finishes.”

RC Cola-Air Force and Meralco, meanwhile, clash at 3 p.m. for fifth place in the inter-club tournament presented by Asics and backed by Milo with Senoh, Mueller and Mikasa as technical partners and TV5 as official broadcaster.

Rep. Alex Advincula, Imus City Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi, Vice-Mayor Armando Ilano and board member Ony Cantimbuhan will grace the event along with PSL president Ramon Suzara and Juico.

After topping the double-round elims, Philips Gold dropped an 18-25, 24-26, 25-18, 25-20, 8-15 setback to the Tornadoes, who snatched the first slot in the best-of-three finals set next week.

Cignal, on the other hand, failed to neutralize Petron’s power and lost, 20-25, 24-26, 25-20, 13-25.