MANILA – Petron Blaze Spikers and F2 Logistics Cargo Movers booked a rematch in the finals of the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix after dispatching their quarterfinals foes at the San Juan Arena.
The Blaze Spikers kept its title retention bid alive on Thursday night via a 23-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-21 come-from-behind victory over Cignal HD Spikers in Game 2 of their best-of-three semifinals round.
Stephanie Niemer erupted for 26 kills, five aces and four blocks for 35 points while Katherine Bell delivered 18 markers.
With the win, the Blaze Spikers moved on to its sixth straight finals appearance.
Mika Reyes, the national team mainstay, had seven markers while Rhea Dimaculangan finished with 26 excellent sets.
Dennese Lazaro, on the other hand, contributed 14 digs and eight receptions.
“All I can say is that Cignal was very eager to beat us. Their movement showed they were eager to win,” said Blaze Spikers head coach Ceseal Delos Santos, who is two wins away from sweeping the tournament.
Imports Erica Wilson and Ana Artemeva, meanwhile, notched 24 and 18 points, respectively, while Rachel Anne Daquis had 12 for the HD Spikers which was relegated to the battle for third place.
The Cargo Movers also made it back to the championship stage after completing a sweep of PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters in their semifinals series with a 26-24, 26-24, 25-17 Game 2 win.
Lindsay Stalzer and Maria Jose Perez delivered the goods for the Cargo Movers with 16 points apiece to lead the team to a third straight Grand Prix Finals and seventh finals appearance overall since joining the league in 2016./PN
