Though they dropped their first set in the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix, the Petron Blaze Spikers still overwhelmed arch-rivals F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, 23-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-18, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Petron seemed to have the first set in hand, coming to all 22-all draw thanks to high-scoring import Katherine Bell. But the American also cost the Blaze Spikers the set after two of her attacks missed their marks. Petron had a chance at a deuce, but veteran Mika Reyes gave away a service error.
Petron then dominated the next three sets, as they pounded F2 Logistics with attacks from Bell and Stephanie Niemer. The Cargo Movers had a shot in the third set, but Bell and Niemer’s late shots proved too much.
“Siyempre, happy kasi na test namin ‘yung team namin. Siyempre isa sa mga malalakas na team sa PSL ‘yung F2 Logistics,” said Petron head coach Shaq Delos Santos, shrugging off their first set loss.
“Consider natin na warm-up ‘yun ng team kasi dikit naman. Hindi malayo sa puntos. Bounce back lang kami,” the national team mentor added.
Bell tallied a season-best 31 points off 26 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, while Niemer managed 22 markers from 14 spikes, six aces, and two blocks.
Petron’s former import Lindsay Stalzer led the short-handed F2 Logistics with 21 points. Her fellow reinforcement Becky Perry added 12 markers.
Petron (6-0) next face the Cignal HD Spikers (4-2), while F2 Logistics (5-1) take on the PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters (3-3). Both games are on Saturday at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
The Scores
Petron (3) – Bell 31, Niemer 22, Palma 7, Pontillas 7, Reyes 5, Cortez 2, Dimaculangan 1, Molina 0, Lazaro (L)
F2 Logistics (1) – Stalzer 21, Perry 12, Galang 10, Baron 8, Maraño 7, Cabanos 1, Morente 0, Macandili (L)
