The Petron Blaze Spikers received a huge boost from the Cignal HD Spikers’ 40 errors en route to a thrilling five-set win, 18-25, 26-24, 14-25, 25-20, 15-12, for their second win in the Philippine Superliga Invitational at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Petron needed every one of Cignal’s errors, as the HD Spikers severely outperformed them in every scoring skill. While the Tri-Activ Spikers won close sets to force a decider, the HD Spikers had the upper hand heading into the fifth set as they had won their sets handily. But Petron’s veterans shone in the final set, as Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Ces Molina scored crucial points to keep Cignal at bay and give them the edge down the stretch, 11-10. PSL Ambassador Mika Reyes delivered for Petron in the clutch, scoring the game-winning point off a quick transition.
Molina led Petron with 15 points, Pontillas added 11, and the returning Mela Tunay added 10.
Petron improves their record to 2-0 for solo first. They face the winless Cocolife Asset Managers (0-2) on Saturday at the Malolos Sports Convention Center.
Perennial National Team ace Jovelyn Gonzaga towed the HD Spikers with 23 points off 17 attacks, three blocks, and three aces. Former NCAA MVP Royse Tubino adder 21 markers.
Cignal fall to 1-1 and they face the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors (0-1) also on Saturday.
The Scores
Petron (3) – Molina 15, Pontillas 11, Tunay 10, Reyes 9, Rosario 7, Aganon 3, Dimaculangan 1, Dolar 1, Zapanta 1, Hingpit 0, Pineda 0, Dusaran (L)
Cignal (2) – Gonzaga 23, Tubino 21, Daquis 13, Vivas 7, Marciano 6, Paat 6, Saet 4, Delos Santos 1, Morada 1, Patilano 0, Dionela (L)
