Petron stems early Cignal HD run, takes Game One

Extending their historic win streak to 16, defending champions Petron Blaze Spikers stepped one game closer to the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix Finals after stumping the Cignal HD Spikers, 20-25, 25-14, 25-13, 25-18, in Game One of the semifinals at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

Petron played far from their usual overwhelming pace to open the match, as Cignal’s Erica Wilson lit up for eight points in the set alone. Still, that was only the second set the Blaze Spikers dropped this season.

“I think part naman lagi ‘yun… Siyempre, natatalo ka. Ang importante mag-bounce back ka,” said Petron head coach Shaq Delos Santos.

The Blaze Spikers rebounded ferociously, drubbing Cignal in each of the next three sets to cruise to the win.

“Medyo nainip lang kami sa paghihintay. I think 17 days din kami walang games. Siyempre, kahit sabihin mo na okay ‘yung team namin, pero siyempre may adjustments pa rin,” the national team head coach added.

Petron’s import tandem of Kath Bell and Stephanie Niemer took turns torching the HD Spikers, each providing 24 points.

Wilson managed 19 points, while Ana Artemeva provided 14 points to pace Cignal HD.

Petron can enter their 13th overall PSL Finals with a win in Game Two on Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

The Scores

Petron (3) – Bell 24, Niemer 24, Reyes 6, Dimaculangan 4, Molina 4, Palma 4, Cortez 3, Pontillas 2, Legacion 0, Lazaro (L)

Cignal HD (1) – Wilson 19, Artemeva 14, Daquis 7, Paat 6, Masangkay 4, Vivas 2, Aguilar 0, Cardiente 0, Musa 0, Navarro 0, Dionela (L)