PETRON moved a step closer to dethroning F2 Logistics with a 25-23, 25-21, 25-19 victory in Game One of the Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino Conference finals on Tuesday night.
Skipper Ces Molina finished with 11 points to lead the Blaze Spikers, who turned an anticipated battle royale at the Muntinlupa Sports Center into a surprising rout.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Bernadeth Pons added eight markers apiece and Mika Reyes scored seven points against her former team to underscore Petron's well-balanced attack.
Petron, which underwent a major buildup in the offseason, has a chance to wrap up its first league title since 2015 when Game Two is played on Thursday at The Arena in San Juan.
But Petron coach Shaq delos Santos is in no mood to celebrate, knowing F2 Logistics has both the talent and the heart to mount a comeback.
“Sigurado ‘yan (babawi), pag bumalik ang mga ‘yan paghahandaan ka talaga at all out ‘yan,” said the former FEU coach.
“Kasi kahit ako hindi ko rin inexpect na straight sets ‘to knowing them at saka ang preparation nila (matindi rin), kaya sabi ko laging magdidikit ang score,” he added.
Petron had better ball distribution (32-21 excellent sets) as seasoned setter Rhea Dimaculangan dished off 20 excellent sets compared to the 18 of F2 star Kim Fajardo.
“Sinabi naming coaching staff lagi sa team na kailangan ready kayo lagi at 'yung quality ng ilalaro na once gagamitin ka, pampanalo 'yung gagawin mo,” said delos Santos.
Kim Dy made 11 points for F2 Logistics while Desiree Cheng added eight and Aby Marano chipped in six.
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