Petron dazzles, hands rivals F2 Logistics first loss

After dropping the first set, the Petron Blaze Spikers kicked their intensity up to another gear and zoomed past the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, 22-25, 25-16, 25-16, 25-20, in the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference at the Alonte Sports Center.

Both squads had not lost a set entering the match, but Petron showed their mettle early, grabbing 15-9 lead. From there, the Cargo Movers slowly nibbled at the deficit, forcing a 20-all tie after an Ara Galang block. Petron then gave up three errors in the last seven points and allowed the Cargo Movers to gain the early edge.

Petron then dominated the next three sets. The Blaze Spikers got off to a 7-2 start and staved off a late rally in the second set. The third period featured a strong F2 Logistics start, only for them to be thwarted by Petron, who held a decisive 16-11 lead. F2 Logistics tried to force a fifth set, trailing by just one, 17-16, in the fourth set. But Petron unleashed a 5-0 run to put the result out of doubt.

“Malaki talaga ang tiwala namin sa isa’t isa dito sa team kaya hindi siguro kami na-down agad,” said Petron head coach Shaq delos Santos of their resiliency. “Alam namin na importante ‘yung game ngayon para makita namin kung nasaan na kami as a team. Naging maganda na ‘yung execution namin noong huling tatlong set kaya happy kami.”

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas tallied a game-high 19 points off 17 attacks and two blocks, while Bernadette Pons managed 16 markers, 21 digs, and five excellent receptions.

Petron stifled F2 Logistics at the net, collecting 12 blocks to the Cargo Movers’ four.

Cha Cruz-Behag led the Cargo Movers with 12 points while Ara Galang managed 11.

Petron (4-0) will face the Cignal HD Spikers (2-2) next Saturday at the Caloocan Sports Center. F2 Logistics (3-1) get an immediate chance to bounce back on Tuesday when they face the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers (0-3) at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

The Scores

Petron (3) – Pontillas 19, Pons 16, Rondina 11, Palma 8, Reyes 8, Molina 6, Dimaculangan 3, Legacion 1, Pabayo 0, Duremdes (L)

F2 Logistics (1) – Behag 12, Galang 11, Dy 10, Baron 9, Maraño 5, Morente 5, Luna 2, Fajardo 1, Ogunsanya 1, Cobb 0, Macandili (L)