MANILA – Petron Blaze Spikers survived a late surge by the PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters for a 25-18, 25-19, 26-28, 25-19 victory in the 2019 Philippine Superliga Invitational at the San Juan Arena.
Cherry Rondina was once again in the forefront of offense for the Blaze Spikers with 19 points and 22 excellent digs.
Frances Molina added 18 markers, built on 14 attacks and three kill blocks.
The victory on Sunday night allowed the Blaze Spikers to finish the elimination round with a perfect 6–0 win-loss slate. They will face Foton Tornadoes in do-or-die semifinals this afternoon.
The win against the Power Hitters was not easy. They had to recover from a meltdown of epic proportions in the third set where they wasted seven match points before thwarting their opposition in the fourth frame.
Earlier in the day, the Tornadoes booted out Generika-Ayala Lifesavers out of semifinal contention following pulsating 21-25, 25-17, 27-25, 19-25, 15-11 win behind the exploits of Ejiya Laure.
For the Tornadoes which ended the eliminations with 3-3 win-loss slate, Laure finished with six of her 24 points in the fifth set while Shaya Adorador had 19 points and Marian Buitre chipping in six blocks.
Defending champions F2 Logistics Cargo Movers also formalized its semifinals entry after a 25-22, 25-15, 25-15 sweep over Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors.
Kalei Mau had 12 points for the winning team./PN
