Petron completes first round sweep at Foton’s expense

Defending champions Petron Blaze Spikers claimed their seventh straight win of the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference, stumping the Foton Blue Energy, 25-14, 25-27, 25-14, 25-12, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

The Blaze Spikers were dominant throughout the match, save for their second-set hiccup in which late errors allowed Foton to extend the match.

Petron head coach Shaq Delos Santos had to wake his team up from their sudden daze.

“Nag-relax siguro. Sabi ko sa kanila na siguro naman nagising na sila after noong set na ‘yun. Good thing nakabangon naman,” said Delos Santos.

Petron strutted their form through solid serving, taking 12 aces to Foton’s four. Their serving also allowed them to set up their offense, gaining a 60-48 spiking advantage.

“Happy and proud naman ako sa team. Pero, honestly speaking, hindi naman namin naging target na makuha lahat ng games. Hindi siya madali. Siguro, bawat game lang talaga kami naka-focus and isa-isa lang ang tinitignan namin,” said Delos Santos of their sweep.

Captain Ces Molina led Petron with a season-high 26 points, while Bernadeth Pons added 13.

Maika Ortiz topped the Blue Energy with 19 markers while Mina Aganon added 15.

Both teams move on to Group A of the second round. Petron will take on the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors on Saturday at the Caloocan Sports Center. Then Foton and Petron will face off again on Tuesday at the Bacoor Strike Gym.

The Scores

Petron (3) – Molina 26, Pons 13, Pontillas 11, Reyes 10, Rondina 8, Dimaculangan 7, Palma 6, Pabayo 1, Legacion 0, Tunay 0, Duremdes (L)

Foton (1) – Ortiz 19, Aganon 15, Sandoval 5, De Leon 3, Rosario 3, Perez 2, Casugod 1, Sy 1, Fabay 0, Yongco 0, Barrinuevo (L), Reyes (L)