In stark contrast to their first round meeting, the Petron Blaze Spikers swiftly took care of the Mane ‘n Tail Lady Stallions in straight sets 25-15, 25-13, 25-14 at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
Petron’s star-studded cast of attackers set themselves apart once more when they out-attacked Mane ‘n Tail 42-24. NU’s Dindin Santiago-Manabat’s offensive repertoire was on full display as she led all scorers with 18 markers off 11 attacks, five aces, and two blocks while FEU’s Rachelle Daquis contributed 13 points.
The Lady Stallions struggled for form early in the match as they let Petron easily take over the set. Petron quickly built an eight-point lead and rode their momentum to an easy first set win.
Mane ‘n Tail’s Royse Tubino sparked an early rally in the following set that gave her team a 5-0 lead. As they’ve done for the entire season, Petron reacted marvelously to adversity and slowly whittled down Mane ‘n Tail’s lead. Their persistence paid off as their attackers’ constant pressure yielded their first lead of the set at 20-19. At that point, Petron caught one more break point and scored easily when the Lady Stallions served.
Mane ‘n Tail seemed to have one more set of volleyball competence in them in the final set of the match until Petron smacked them silly midway through the frame. Having the set tied at 10, Petron limited Mane ‘n Tail to four points for the rest of the set, sealing their ninth win of the conference. The loss placed Mane ‘n Tail at fifth in the standings.
Petron has clinched the first seed in the playoffs. They will close out their elimination round campaign on Monday against the Shopinas.com Lady Clickers.
The Scores:
Petron (3) – Manabat 18, Daquis 13, Molina 9, Maraño 7, Masangkay 4, Perez 1, Aganon 1, Micek 1, Zapanta 0, Reyes (L)
Mane ‘n Tail (0) – Tubino 12, Gendrauli 8, Praca 4, Dawson 4, Gustillo 3, Argarin 1, Mabbayad 1, Amad 0, Desengano 0, Cortel (L), Diaz (L)
