Facing a team buoyed by a four-game winning streak, the reigning champions Petron Blaze Spikers showcased their lethal form, drubbing the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers in straight sets, 25-18, 25-12, 25-16, in the 2019 PSL All Filipino Conference, Tuesday at the Bacoor Strike Gym.
“Nagulat ako siyempre kasi alam naman namin paano maglaro yung Generika yung tinalo nila nung ilang games competitive lahat. Sa amin sabi namin bigay talaga namin yung best namin kasi tie din kami sa standings para matest namin kung nasaan na kami ngayon,” Petron head coach Shaq Delos Santos said.
The Blaze Spikers hiked their win-loss record to 5-1. Moreover, they recaptured their position at solo second behind the still-unscathed F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, who sport a 6-0 card.
On the other hand, the Lifesavers fell to 4-2 at solo third.
Holding a two-sets-to-none lead heading into the third frame, Petron smelled blood as a win was within sight. Through the collective efforts of their battle-tested core, the Blaze Spikers belted a blistering rally to mount a 16-7 cushion – a lead that would balloon to as high as 11 at 19-8, and one that the defending champions would never relinquish the rest of the way.
Petron team captain Ces Molina paced Petron with 12 points off 10 kills and two service aces. Sisi Rondina, who came off the bench midway through the second set, finished with 11 points built on eight attacks, two aces, and a block, while Mika Reyes added 10 points spiked by four blocks.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas had seven points as well while anchoring on defense with 10 excellent digs. Rhea Dimaculangan tossed 18 excellent sets, while libero Buding Duremdes had 11 digs and seven excellent receptions.
More than Petron’s vaunted offensive arsenal, Delos Santos commended his wards for clamping down on defense against the relatively potent scorers of Generika-Ayala.
“Happy kami kasi nagawa nila yung game plan to stop yung mga main attackers ng Generika at the same time gumanda target namin sa service,” he added.
No Lifesaver scored in double-digit as Angeli Araneta topped Generika-Ayala with nine markers. Fiola Ceballos and Patty Orendain, both of whom were instrumental to their team’s four-game surge, only managed five and two points, respectively.
The Blaze Spikers try to end their first round on a high note versus Sta. Lucia on July 13, Saturday at the Alonte Sports Center. Meanwhile, the Lifesavers will look to return to the win column as they face PLDT on Thursday, July 11 at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.
