After their first loss in the 2017 Chooks-to-Go Philippine Superliga Grand Prix, the Petron Blaze Spikers got back on track with a quick sweep of the Victoria Sports-University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, 25-16, 25-14, 25-14, at the Filoil Fltying V Centre in San Juan City.
Petron, who flew back from the Spike on Tour in Bacolod with heavy hearts, did not let up against their collegiate adversaries. The Blaze Spikers were so dominant that not only did they not play their imports for the majority of the match, but also all but one of their scoring players tallied a point.
“Sa totoo lang, talagang malungkot kami after noong Bacolod,” said Petron hear coach Shaq Delos Santos. “Down talaga ‘yung team, pero at least nakita ng team ‘yung mga lapses namin at mga kailangan namin ayusin. Naging good experience pa rin siya para sa amin.”
Petron had a season-low 16 errors while powering in 45 attacks, eight blocks, and six aces. The Tigresses had no blocks and just one ace.
Most importantly, Shaq emphasized, Petron regained their happy spirit.
“Nawala kasi ‘yung happiness namin after nung talo namin. I’m glad kanina na bumalik sila dati na nage-enjoy talaga,” Delos Santos added.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas tallied 10 points while Ramy Palma had eight to lead Petron.
Opposite hitter Dimdim Pacres powered UST with 10 markers while Japanese import Yukie Inamasu managed eight points.
The Blaze Spikers (4-1) next take on the undefeated Foton Tornadoes (4-0) in a possible Finals preview on Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The Tigresses (0-2) will try to recover against the winless Sta. Lucia (0-3) on Saturday at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center.
The Scores
Petron (3) – Pontillas 10, Palma 8, Stalzer 8, Meneses 6, Rondina 6, Reyes 5, Tunay 5, Hurley 4, Aganon 3, Dimaculangan 2, Molina 2, Hingpit 0, Fukuda (L)
UST (0) – Pacres 10, Inamasua 8, Sandoval 4, Viray 3, Palec 2, Bangad 0, Bicar 0, Francisco 0, Rivera (L)
