MANILA – Petron Blaze Spikers bucked a slow start to score a 26-24, 25-12, 25-19 win over Generika-Ayala Lifesavers in the 2019 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference at the Strike Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.
Led by Negrense Bernadeth Pons and Mary Remy Palma, the defending champions recovered from a paltry showing early in the first set on Tuesday night en route to tallying its seventh win in eight games.
Trailing 11-17 early in the opening set, the Blaze Spikers rallied back behind Pons to take a 20-18 edge.
Petron were still up 23-21 when Generika-Ayala went on to tie the count at 24-all before the former ran away with the first set win on the latter’s errors.
Petron, however, displayed its dominance in the second set. It jumped to a 16-9 start behind Pons on its way to a 2-0 set edge.
Generika-Ayala tried to stay alive in the third but hits from Palma and Pons cruises Petron to a straight-set win.
In the first game, Foton Tornadoes recovered from a sluggish start before eking out a come-from-behind 18-25, 21-25, 25-18, 25-15, 15-4 win over the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors.
Jaja Santiago delivered 22 points built on 14 kills, six blocks and two service aces while Marian Buitre, who was fielded in the third set, showed her worth with 15 points off eight attacks, five aces and two blocks. Foton improved to 5-3 win-loss slate.
With Santiago at the helm, the Tornadoes waxed hot in the deciding frame with an 11-2 start to complete the huge comeback win that sent the Lady Realtors to their seventh consecutive loss.
“We were looking for the right combination in the first part of the game that’s why we struggled a bit,” Foton head coach Aaron Velez said. “I’m thankful that Marian stepped up and everybody was really committed to come back and win this game.”/PN
