MANILA – Petron Blaze Spikers started its title-retention bid in the 2020 Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix with a 25-22, 25-22, 25-21 over Generika-Ayala Lifesavers at the San Juan Arena over the weekend.
American reinforcement Kath Bell picked up where she left off last year as she came up with a game-high of 17 points to lead the offense of the back-to-back Grand Prix champions.
Mary Remy Palma also provided spark on the offensive artillery of the revamped Blaze Spikers with 11 points, while Lutgarda Malaluan contributed six markers.
Petron finished its opponent in just an hour and 18 minutes.
According to Blaze Spikers head coach Emil Lontoc, the straight-set victory was a morale boost for his wards after losing several key players during the offseason, including Mika Reyes, Cherry Rondina and Negrense Bernadeth Pons.
“It was a good win for us. A lot of people were doubting on us during the off season,” said Lontoc in a post-match interview. “But we were optimistic about our team and it anchored us to our win.”
“Facing Petron’s former players served as a motivation for us to give our best, of course outside of the court all of us are friends, but on the court we mean business,” added the veteran tactician.
Reyes, meanwhile, had a triumphant debut with her new team, the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors, as they defeated PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters in three close sets, 26-24, 25-23, 29-27.
Canadian import Shainah Joseph was unstoppable nailing 22 kills for 23 points, Filipina-American Marjana Philips added 14 markers, while Reyes had five blocks to finish with 10 points for the victorious team./PN
