The Petron Tri-Activ Spikers nailed their first and only win of the 2016 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Cup second round, sweeping the tired RC Cola-Army Lady Troopers, 25-19, 25-22, 25-16, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas led Petron with 11 points, while Bernadeth Pons trailed close behind with 10 markers.
The Tri-Activ Spikers rained 41 spikes on Army, who managed just 19.
“No bearing naman na ang laban kanina pero gusto pa rin namin manalo,” said Petron head coach George Pascua. “Medyo hirap na ‘yung kalaban kanina kasi madaming player ang nawala pero maganda pa rin ito para sa team.”
With the win, Petron move to third place in the knockout semifinals, where they will face the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
“Magiging mahirap na kalaban ang F2 pero may gameplan naman kami sa kanila. Mageensayo na lang kami sa execution ng mga gagawin namin,” Pascua added.
Army, who were was missing Rachel Daquis, Joanne Bunag, and Jessey De Leon all due to foot injuries, relied on Jovielyn Gonzaga and Royse Tubino, who could only manage eight points apiece. Army fell behind quickly in each of the three sets and could not recover.
“Kahit ano namang gustuhin namin lumaban, pero wala na talaga kaming tao. So it’s best for us na magpahinga na lang since wala na rin namang bearing ang laro kanina,” said Army head coach Kungfu Reyes.
Army will now take on the top-seeded Foton Tornadoes on Thursday at the Malolos Convention Center.
The Scores
Petron (3) – Pontillas 11, Pons 10, Morada 7, Nunag 6, Palma 6, Rosario 4, Aganon 3, Masangkay 0, Yongco 0, Pineda (L), Reyes (L)
RC Cola-Army (0) – Gonzaga 8, Tubino 8, De Los Reyes 3, Sabas 3, Carolino 2, Sabas 2, Salak 1, Nunag 0, Torres (L), Agno (L)