MANILA, Philippines – Don’t count Generika-Ayala out.
After staging a recruiting coup by tapping Cuban spiker Lisbet Arredondo Reyes, the Lifesavers announced that they would parade a member of the Azerbaijan national team in Kseniya Kocyigit in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix this February.
Kocyigit is a gem of a recruit.
A 6-foot-2 middle blocker, the 32-year old veteran campaigner is known for her powerful attacks and superb net defense.
She campaigned in the CEV Volleyball European League in 2016 and 2017 and FIVB World Championship in 2018 where she played a crucial role for the Azerbaijan national squad that is ranked 24th in the latest FIVB ranking.
Generika-Ayala team manager Allyn Sta. Maria said they have already reached an agreement and they couldn’t wait to start training with her.
“We already have a second import,” she said. “She just sent back the contract last night.”
With Kocyigit at the defensive end and Arredondo Reyes at the attack zone, the Lifesavers are tipped to contend with heavyweights Petron and F2 Logistics in the import-flavored conference.
The tandem of Katherine Bell and Stephanie Niemer will banner Petron while American-Italian spiker Becky Perry and seasoned campaigner Lindsay Stalzer will carry the cudgels for F2 Logistics.