MANILA – Petron Blaze Spikers completed their title defense after ruling the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference with a 25-22, 26-24, 25-23 Game 3 win over F2 Logistics Cargo Movers on Thursday night at the San Juan Arena.
Ilongga Aiza Maizo-Pontillas led the way with 13 points, including 12 attacks and a service ace, while Negrense Bernadeth Pons chipped in 11 markers for the Blaze Spikers.
But veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan was hailed as the Most Valuable Player after tallying 31 excellent sets for the back-to-back All-Filipino Conference champions.
It was the Blaze Spikers’ fifth PSL championship and third under head coach Ceseal delos Santos. Petron also triumphed over F2 Logistics for the third time in five final round meetings.
The Blaze Spikers were tested in the opening period when they trailed 18-19 before going on a 5-0 run behind Mary Remy Palma. The Cargo Movers rallied to within 1 but an attack error from them followed by a Palma hit clinched the set for Petron.
The Cargo Movers seemed headed to tying the set score at 1-1 after going up 24-23 in the second frame. An error by F2’s Aby Maraño and back-to-back hits by Mika Reyes and Pontillas gave Petron a 2-0 set advantage.
The Blaze Spikers started strong in the third, going up 14-9, but the Cargo Movers made their last run to come to within 1. A costly error by the Cargo Movers followed by a conversion by Pons handed the title to the Blaze Spikers.
“Ibang hirap iyong pinagdaan namin para marating ito,” said Delos Santos. “Lumabas talaga iyong tiwala ng players sa isa’t-isa. Straight sets iyong laban, pero ang daming times na muntik na talaga kami.”
Cha Cruz-Behag and Ara Galang finished with 10 points apiece to lead the way for the Cargo Movers./PN
