PETRON salvaged third place in the Philippine Super Liga Invitational Conference, disposing of F2 Logistics, 25-22, 26-24, 16-25, 26-24, on Saturday at The Arena in San Juan.
Maica Morada scored 21 points on 17 spikes, one block and three service aces, for the Tri-Activ Spikers.
Skipper Aiza Maizo-Pontillas added 15, Frances Molina chipped in 14 and CJ Rosario contributed 11 as Petron wound up with a 1-2 win-loss record in the final round.
Coach George Pascua said he was satisfied with the team’s finish, noting that they lost four key players before the tournament.
“Oo satisfied kasi ang Army intact na team ’yan, pati ang Thailand, pati ’yung F2 sila-sila pa rin naman since college, eh kami nasa transistion pa kasi apat ang nawala sa amin na panlaban,” said Pascua.
Maizo-Pontillas and Rosario, along with Bang Pineda, were tapped after the exit of main attackers Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Fille Cainglet-Cayetano, who are both pregnant. Rachel Anne Daquis rejoined Army and Aby Marano is now with former La Salle teammates Cha Cruz and Paneng Mercado at F2 Logistics.
“It’s a good experience sa amin pero ibang usapan talaga kapag finals na,” said Pascua.
“Na-gauge na ’yung bawat isa and it’s a matter of attitude and character na lang ng players doon na lang naglalabanan.”
“Kasi ’yung team almost the same kasi lahat ng laro unpredictable eh depende na lang sa desire ng team kung gusto manalo o hindi,” he continued.
Marano scored 19 points on 13 attacks, three blocks and three service aces for F2. Mercado scored 12 and Pau Soriano had 10 points.