Petron wins, seeks solo lead vs Foton

Games today (Bacoor Strike Gym)

Live over ESPN5 and 5Plus

2 p.m. – Cignal vs Sta. Lucia

4 p.m. – Generika-Ayala vs PLDT

6 p.m. – Petron vs Foton

MANILA, Philippines — Petron’s Stephanie Niemer and Katherine Bell showed why they’re largely considered as the best import tandem in the 2019 Superliga Grand Prix as they steered the Blaze Spikers to a runaway 25-16, 25-23, 25-15 rout of Generika-Ayala Thursday night.

Niemer and Bell combined for 45 of the team’s 75 points as the defending champions romped off with their second straight win to share pole position with rival F2 Logistics.

“Ako personally naniniwala ako na may ilalabas pa yung dalawa,” Petron coach Shaq delos Santos said of Niemer, who delivered 19 attacks, two blocks and three aces and Bell, who accounted for 18-2-1 plus 11 excellent digs in the 1-hour, 13-minute disposal of the Lifesavers. “Experienced players sila, they know how to handle yung mga ganoong sitwasyon.

Petron’s Filipina crew made solid contribution, too, with veteran Aiza Maizo Pontillas dishing eight points, 11 digs and nine receptions, Mika Reyes adding five, Rhea Dimaculangan tossing 28 excellent sets and libero Denden Lazaro with  excellent receptions.

“Syempre malaki rin ang tiwala ko sa local players namin, alam namin kung paano sila magtrabaho,” said Delos Santos.

Patty Orendain (12) and Ksenaya Kocyigit (seven) led Generika (0-2), which missed the injured Brazilian Nikolle del Rio.

The Blaze Spikers get the chance to grab the solo lead tonight when they take on Foton (1-0) in the main game of a triple header at Bacoor Strike Gym.