HEAVY recruitment and player movement marked the weeks leading up to the opening of the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix 2013 set to kick off on November 10 at The Arena in San Juan City.
Cignal is reportedly re-signing PSL Invitationals MVP Venus Bernal but head coach Sammy Acaylar scored a recruitment coup when he landed Angelique Dionela, the inaugural tournament's best digger, from Cagayan Valley.
Not content with his prized acquisition, Acaylar also clinched Chee Saet and Maureen Penetrante-Ouano from the disbanded Bingo Milyonaryo aside from signing Danika Gendaruli and Michelle Datuin, transforming Cignal into a favorite for the Grand Prix trophy.
Cignal was runner-up to PSL Invitational Tournament champion TMS-Army three months ago but Army Lady Troopers coach Rico de Guzman is also making sure his team remains on course for back-to-back titles by signing veteran players Tina Salak, Joanne Bunag, Theresa Iratay, Jovelyn Gonzaga and the Carolino sisters, Michelle and Mayette.
Cagayan Valley, which placed fourth after absorbing very close defeats in its closing games, also used the long break to fortify its roster. Coach Ness Pamilar clinched Angelica Tabaquero from Petron, Pau Soriano and Aiza Maizo from PLDT, Joy Benito and Wenneth Eulalio.
Petron coach Vilet Ponce-de Leon gained from Bingo Milyonaryo's disbandment, wooing Stephanie Mercado and Mic-Mic Laborte from the Puffins, aside from signing Melissa Gohing, Kara Acevedo, Karla Bello and Gretchen Ho.
Coach Roger Gorayeb said he does not mind losing Soriano and Maizo to Cagayan Valley as he took in veterans Lislee Ann Pantone, Sue Roces, Angelica Benting, Lou Ann Latigay, Cha Soriano and Nica Guliman for PLDT.
New team Air Asia Zest coach Ronald Dulay is confident his squad will perform well after building a roster around the core of Michico Castaneda, Ivy Remulla, Rhea Dimaculangan, Wendy Semana and Maika Ortiz.
All six teams will be reinforced by international players, according to PSL president Ramon 'Tats' Suzara, who confirmed players from the United States, China, Japan and Thailand with experience in playing in FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) tournaments have been tapped for PSL action.
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