The Petron Blaze Spikers equaled a level of excellence they set themselves, sweeping the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors, 25-21, 25-12, 25-20, for their 13th win in a row in the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Blaze Spikers won 13 straight matches in the 2018 All-Filipino Cup en route to a their fifth title. Petron are still five wins away from clinching the Grand Prix championship, which keeps them motivated.
“Siyempre, happy kasi nagagawa namin ulit ‘yung ginagawa namin last conference. Pero siyempre, mas kailangan din namin mag-focus ngayon sa kailangan namin i-perform sa mga susunod na mga games,” said Petron head coach Shaq Delos Santos.
“Thankful kasi binibigyan ako ni Lord ng ganitong klaseng opportunity. Sobrang nakaka-proud kasi hindi siya madaling gawin, worth it lang na ‘yun ‘yung kapalit ng paghihirap namin. Pero, kailangan mas magtuloy-tuloy pa rin kami kasi meron kaming ganito. Why not kung mai-improve pa namin?” he added.
Against the struggling Lady Realtors, the Blaze Spikers went to their bread and butter import duo of Stephanie Niemer and Kath Bell. The pair were unstoppable as Niemer provided 23 points from 17 attacks, three blocks, and three aces, while Bell managed 13 markers.
Import Casey Schoenlein was the lone Lady Realtor in double-digits with 12 points, all off attacks.
Petron end their elimination round schedule against the United Volleyball Club (6-6) on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. On the other hand, Sta. Lucia (2-10) face the Foton Blue Energy (1-10) on Tuesday.
The Scores
Petron (3) – Niemer 23, Bell 13, Reyes 7, Cortez 4, Dimaculangan 2, Legacion 2, Pons 2, Esguerra 1, Palma 1, Tunay 1, Molina 0, Pontillas 0, Gaiser (L), Lazaro (L)
Sta. Lucia (0) – Schoenlein 12, Lohman 9, Austero 6, Maraguinot 5, Villanueva 3, De Leon 1, Marzan 1, Philipps 1, Raslan 1, Lastimosa 0, Rivera 0, Catindig (L), Lo (L)
