Defending champion Petron breezed past Marinerang Pilipina, 25-18, 25-13, 25-11, to make its way to the semifinals of the Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino Conference yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Centre yesterday.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas finally caught fire for the Blaze Spikers, who stretched their winning streak to 12 in this prestigious women’s club tourney that has Team Rebel Sports, SOGO, Eurotel, PCSO, Cocolife, UCPB Gen, Mueller, Senoh, Asics, Bizooku and One Sport as sponsors.
Maizo delivered 15 points on top of 12 digs while Bernadeth Pons and skipper Frances Molina combined for 24 markers for Petron, which need only one hour and 25 minutes to wrap up the contest.
The Blaze Spikers will clash with the survivor in the other quarterfinal battle between Generika-Ayala and Cignal, who will clash tomorrow.
“Of course we’re really happy, this is what we’ve been working hard for,” said Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos. “What we’ve been through in the two-round preliminary is not easy and because of that we are more inspired to be better.”
Delos Santos said his wards is slowly gaining their deadly form.
“As of now, we’re getting there, we’re getting back our rhythm,” he said.
“But what I’m concerned right now is our recovery, we need to rest our weary bodies so that we are hundred percent ready for the semifinals.”
The Blaze Spikers had the game in full control that allowed Delos Santos to field in seldom-used players, including Mary Anne Esguerra, Mela Tunay and Toni Basas.
“I’m glad that they delivered,” said Delos Santos. “I told them to always be ready especially now that the real battle is about to start.”
Dimdim Pacres and Judith Abil finished with seven points apiece for Marinerang Pilipina, which ended its campaign without a single win to show.