PETRON secured the first semifinals berth in the Philippine Super Liga All Filipino Conference with a straight sets victory over Cignal, 25-18, 25-19, 26-24, at The Arena in San Juan on Wednesday night.
Dindin Santigao-Manabat and Abi Marano, the top two picks in last year’s Rookie Draft, each scored 12 points to help the Blaze Spikers remain perfect in the tournament with their seventh straight win.
The Grand Prix champion came from a 19-23 hole in the third set, before Rachel Anne Daquis scored on an attack to tie the contest at 23-all.
Cignal reached set point, 24-23, but Mervic Mangui’s attack error gave Petron an extra point for a deuce, 24-24, and the Blaze Spikers held on tight to score the last two points and win the match.
“Pina-pratice namin ang mga ganyang situation,” said Petron coach George Pascua of the tight endgame.
One more win by the Blaze Spikers would secure for them the top spot in the Final Four.
“Sinasabi ko the more na nananalo ka dapat mas responsible ka,” said the veteran mentor. “Wag kang pabaya dapat focus ka. Meron kaming goal na mag-sweep pero kailangan namin magtrabaho”
University of Perpetual Help rookie Ma. Lourdes Clemente had 12 points for Cignal, which fell to 1-5 overall after losing its third straight game.
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