MANILA – Petron Blaze Spikers banked on the exploits of Katherine Bell to pull off a 23-25, 20-25, 25-15, 25-22, 15-9 win over F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in Game 1 of the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Bell – a late replacement for injured Hillary Hurley – finished with 42 points (36 attacks, four aces and two blocks) on Tuesday for Blaze Spikers, which could clinch the crown in Game 2 Thursday night.
Lindsay Stalzer chipped in 17 markers while Ilongga Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Mika Reyes had 9 points each for Blaze Spikers, which tallied 69 attack points compared to Cargo Movers’ 52.
“Tiyagain lang namin, execute ng game plan. Hindi natatapos iyong game sa dalawang sets. Lumaban lang kami hanggang dulo,” said Blaze Spikers head coach Ceseal Delos Santos.
Trailing 2-0 sets, Blaze Spikers got into a tight game against Cargo Movers early in the third set before pulling to a 15-10 lead, which grew further 22-12 on consecutive points by Bell.
Bell continued her dominance in the fourth set as Blaze Spikers surged 16-10, and then 19-11. Cargo Movers rallied to within 22-24 before Blaze Spikers ended the set with a Bell hit.
Both teams exchanged leads early in the fifth set before Blaze Spikers built an 11-8 edge. Cargo Movers tried to close the gap but consecutive points by Bell completed Blaze Spikers’ come-from-behind win.
Maria Jose Perez finished with 16 points while Kennedy Bryan added 15 markers for the defending champion Cargo Movers, which hopes to force a do-or-die Game 3 on Saturday./PN
