Carrying all the momentum from a rousing victory in the semifinals, the Petron Blaze Spikers drew first blood in the 2017 Chooks-to-Go PSL Grand Prix Finals, sweeping the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, 25-17, 25-21, 25-16, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Petron was dominant throughout, protecting the early leads they easily built. The Blaze Spikers held a commanding 19-12 lead in the first set, 17-13 in the second frame, and 19-12 in the third set to close their first match in the biggest stage with ease.
Starting and finishing strong was a huge emphasis for Petron after lacakdaisical efforts to start their last two matches, according to head coach Shaq Delos Santos.
“Maganda talaga ‘yung nilaro ng mga players. Makikita mo sa paghahanda namin nitong Finals na all-out talaga, buhos lahat ng effort nila,” said Delos Santos.
“Malaking emphasis sa amin ‘yun kasi nga talo kami sa first set noong unang dalawang laban. Kaya, sabi naming coach na dapat simula pa lang, ibigay na namin lahat para di kami naghahabol,” the former FEU Tamaraw added.
Even in just three sets, Petron’s America imports Hillary Hurley and Lindsay Stalzer still managed to drop 20 points, apiece.
Venezuelan Maria Jose Perez was the lone bright spot for F2, recording 15 points. The Cargo Movers’ struggles manifested in their service reception as none of their players were positive in excellent receives.
The Blaze Spikers try to clinch their first Grand Prix title since 2015 on Thursday, 7 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
Petron (3) – Hurley 20, Stalzer 20, Palma 7, Molina 6, Reyes 4, Dimaculangan 2, Fukuda (L)
F2 Logistics (0) – Perez 15, Bryan 8, Baron 7, Dy 5, Maraño 4, Cheng 0, Cruz 0, Santos 0, Macandili (L), Saga (L)
