Scorching Petron keeps Meralco winless
The defending champion, the Petron Blaze Spikers, notched the top spot on the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix with a rousing straight-sets win over the Meralco Power Spikers 27-25, 25-20, 25-21 at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Coming from a nearly two-week break, the Power Spikers started the match energetically, leading the opening set by 5, 16-11. Petron, however slowly trimmed deficit through powerful attacks from Dindin Manabat and Rupia Inck. The Blaze Spikers eventually forced a deuce and took the set as they coughed up errors.
A disheartened Meralco side gave up big runs midway through each of the following sets, clearing room for the Petron sweep. Petron’s Brazilian import, Rupia Inck topped all scorers with 17 points, her third straight spectacular outing after starting the season slowly. League MVP, Dindin Manabat paced Petron with 12 markers.
Notching their fourth straight win, Petron barged into the semis with a 6-2 record. The Blaze Spikers, however, are still aiming to sweep the second round.
“Every game na lalaruin namin, sabi ko sa players, dapat parang championship match ang intensity, para masanay sila saka hindi bumaba ang level ng laro namin,” said Petron head coach, George Pascua.
Meralco, on the other hand, are still winless in six matches. Power Spikers’ import Christina Alessi scored her tournament-high 11 points while her fellow import, Liis Kullerkann had nine points. La Sallians, MaJoy Baron and Cha Cruz each contributed seven points.
Meraclo will face the Philips Gold Lady Slammers on Saturday during the PSL’s Spike on Tour game in Malolos Bulacan. Petron, on the other hand, will have a week-long break and will not play until Saturday.
The Scores
Petron (3) – Inck 17, Manabat 12, Aganon 8, Maraño 7, Daquis 4, Molina 4, Adachi 3, Cayetano 1, Masangkay 0, Morada 0, Zapanta 0, Del Mundo (L), Reyes (L)
Meralco (0) – Alessi 11, Kullerkann 9, Baron 7, Cruz 7, Reyes 4, Dy 3, Fajarado 3, Mercado 0, Demecillo 0, Macandili (L), Sison (L)
