COCOLIFE and Cignal gun for a share of early lead when they battle separate foes in the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference today at the Strike Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.
The Asset Managers will shoot for their second straight win against Sta. Lucia Realty in the 8 p.m. match, while Cignal battles Smart-Army in the 4:30 p.m. encounter in the mid-season conference.
The HD Spikers recovered from a poor start to beat UE-Cherrylume on Tuesday to open their title-retention bid on a high note.
Mylene Paat and Rachel Anne Daquis are again expected to show the way for Cignal against a Smart-Army squad that beat Sta. Lucia in straight sets on Monday.
Also aiming for the lead are the Asset Managers, who defeated UE-Cherrylume in four.
Cocolife Head Coach Moro Branislav said their first game was a tough test since he is handling a young and retooled roster bannered by 20-year old Gyra Barroga, Denice Tan and Justine Tiu.
“I understand that this is a new life for Cocolife. Completely different situation and different sets of players,” Branislav said.
“My new players are good but we relaxed a bit against UE and we cannot do that now since we are facing a stronger team.”
Sta. Lucia, meanwhile, continues to miss the troika of Jho Maraguinot, Toni Rose Basas and libero Rica Rivera as it tries to bounce back from a tough setback to Smart-Army.
Maraguinot could miss the entire conference due to muscle strain.
Basas is also unsure as her timetable as an ear infection will be re-evaluated, while Rica Rivera is not expected to play until the All-Filipino Cup due to the knee injury she sustained while playing for University of Sto. Tomas in UAAP Season 80.
Sta. Lucia head coach George Pascua remains confident of his Lady Realtors led by mainstays MJ Phillips, Pam Lastimosa and setter Rebecca Rivera.
“We are still confident. My remaining players are very capable to take bigger responsibilities. We just have to lessen our errors in the coming games,” Pascua said