MANILA – Generika-Ayala Lifesavers continued their rise in the 2018 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference after a 25-19, 25-12, 25-15 sweep of Smart Giga Hitters at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
Patty Jane Orendain led the way with triple-double 18 points, 13 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions for the Lifesavers, which won their third straight game Saturday night for a 3-3 win-loss slate.
After handily winning the first two sets, the Lifesavers nearly crumbled in the third frame after establishing a 16-9 advantage when the Giga Hitters went on with a mini run to come to within 4.
But that was the closest the Giga Hitters came as Orendain restored order for the Lifesavers with consecutive points before Marivic Meneses and Angeli Araneta put on the finishing touches.
“We didn’t expect to win in straight sets. We know Smart is such a strong team with an intact core,” said Lifesavers libero Kath Arado. “We executed everything we did in practice. Those were the keys that led to this victory.”
In the other match defending champions Petron Blaze Spikers kept their hot streak going as they crushed Cignal HD Spikers in straight sets 25-22, 25-16, 25-19. Frances Molina had 15 points to lead the way for the Blaze Spikers (5-0).
“Siguro sobrang focused lang ng players namin. Alam nila na lahat ng games at mga kalaban importante,” said Petron head coach Ceseal delos Santos. “Kailangan consistent kami in every game and maganda iyong pinakita namin in regards doon.”
Earlier Milena Alessandrini scored 24 points while Eya Laure chipped in 19 markers as University of Santo Tomas edged Far Eastern University 25-16, 13-25, 25-17, 25-15 in the Collegiate Grand Slam./PN
