Lady Slammers blast HD Spikers, gain lead

Games tomorrow (La Salle Lipa)

1 p.m. – Petron vs Foton

3 p.m. – Meralco vs RC Cola

MANILA, Philippines – Philips Gold flashed top form and hammered out a 25-22, 25-14, 25-23 victory over Cignal yesterday to seize the solo lead in the Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

Imports Bojana Todorovic and Alexa Olgord spearheaded the Lady Slammers’ charge early and sustained their form to the finish to wind up with a combined 33-hit output for a 7-2 card, just ahead of defending champion Petron Blazer Spikers (6-2).

The loss dropped the HD Spikers to third at 6-3, also barely ahead of Foton (5-3).

“We’re peaking at the right time. Hopefully, we could continue to improve entering the playoff round,” said Philips Gold coach Francis Vicente.

While Vicente drew strong plays from his imports, he also cited his locals’ solid backup with Myla Pablo and Michelle Gumabao chipping in 13 and nine markers, respectively, and Fil-Am Lindsay Dowd adding seven points.

“We made it a point to get the locals more involved because we don’t want to be too reliant on our imports,” said Vicente.

Meanwhile, action shifts to Lipa tomorrow with Petron seeking to rejoin Philips Gold at the helm as it clashes with Foton at 1 p.m.

Ousted Meralco and RC Cola-Air Force clash in the other game at 3 p.m.

On the same note, Foton also dished a spectacular performance as it clobbered listless RC Cola-Air Force, 25-21, 25-21, 25-19 in the second game.

Jaja Santiago was impressive as she asserted her prowess on both ends to help the Tornadoes clobber the Raiders in just 76 minutes of action en route to their sixth win in nine games.