Petron stays unbeaten, sweeps UP-UAI

Three Blaze Spikers saw double-digit scoring as Petron made quick work of the University of the Philippines-United Auctioneers Inc. Lady Maroons, 25-9, 25-16, 25-17, and maintained a clean sheet in Group A of the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Cup at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

Open hitter Cherry Rondina topped the Blaze Spikers with 11 points, while middle blocker Mika Reyes and winger Bernadeth Pons added 10 markers, apiece.

The Blaze Spikers executed impeccably against their rebuilding collegiate foes, topping each scoring skill – including a huge 47-23 gap in spiking. Petron also coughed up a season-low 14 errors.

“‘Yung UP kasi hindi mo pwedeng maliitin, kasi kapag nahanap nila ‘yung laro nila, very dangerous din. Honestly speaking, talagang pinaghandaan namin sila,” said Petron head coach Shaq Delos Santos, who is wary of his team’s next matches against determined foes. “Important nga sa amin ‘yung next matches namin kasi very competitive talaga. Pahinga siguro muna kami for a day then asses ng mga nangyare.”

Isa Molde was UP’s lone double-digit scorer with 11 markers. Middle blocker Marian Buitre added six points.

Petron (2-0) take on the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers (2-1) in a battle for continued contention for an outright semis berth on Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. UP-UAI (0-2) face the Foton Tornadoes (0-3) on Tuesday at the Imus Sports Center.

The Scores

Petron (3) – Rondina 11, Pons 10, Reyes 10, Pontillas 9, Tunay 5, Agudo 4, Cortez 4, Palma 3, Dimaculangan 1, Duremdes (L), Gaiser (L)

UP-UAI (0) – Molde 11, Buitre 6, Goc 4, Bernardo 2, Gannaban 2, Magsarile 2, Cailing 1, Estrañero 0, Ramos 0, Rosier 0, Altomeo (L), Dorog (L)