Petron steps on gas in PSL title campaign

IMUS CITY , Philippines  —  Reigning champion Petron kicked off its title-retention bid on a high note as it brought down Marinerang Pilipina, 25-21, 25-16, 25-10, in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference yesterday at the Imus Sports Center here.

The Blaze Spikers needed to overcome a bumpy start before stepping on the gas in the third set to coast to their first win in this prestigious women’s club tourney.

Seasoned opposite spiker Aiza Maizo-Pontillas led the charge with 15 points off 12 kills and three blocks laced with five excellent receptions while Mika Reyes and Bernadeth Pons put up 10 and nine hits, respectively.

University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player Sisi Rondina came off the bench to deliver eight points before putting the finishing touches in their 15-point rout in the third set while setter Rhea Dimaculangan dished out 20 excellent sets and fired four aces.

“I’m happy because we won our first game but this is just the start. We need to step up since we will be facing contenders next week,” said Petron head coach Shaq delos Santos.

“Marinerang Pilipina didn’t play like a new team. They are a fighter and you saw their eagerness to fight and they enjoyed the game. We just showed how we really play in the third set. Because we know the quality of our game,” he added.

Petron was pushed to the limit by Marinerang Pilipina in the first two sets, especially in the second frame, where the Lady Skippers held a 12-9 lead. But starters Dimaculangan, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Reyes and Ces Molina unleashed an 11-1 run for a 20-14 cushion and never looked back for the two-set advantage.

The Blaze Spikers showed their championship form in the third set.