PETRON finished the preliminary round on a high note with an easy win over Navy, 25-16, 25-18, 25-19, on Saturday in the Philippine Super Liga All Filipino Conference at The Arena in San Juan.
The Tri-Active Spikers ended the eliminations with a 5-2 record, behind RC Cola Army and F2 Logistics.
Now led by Aiza Maizo and Bang Pineda, the retooled Petron squad isn't as dominant as before, but coach George Pascua is confident the Tri-Activ Spikers will find their groove in the next phase of the tournament.
“May mga bago pa kasi kaya medyo nahirapan, pero ngayon ginamit ko ang mga luma kong players kaya nakapanalo kami,” said the veteran mentor.
“Before noong eliminations ang ginagamit ko ‘yung mga bago so ngayon nakapag-adjust na sila para anytime na ipasok sila ngayong semis adjusted na sila ’yun ang game plan namin,” he added.
Maizo-Pontillas scored 15 points and Maica Morada added 13, while Remy Palma, Bernadeth Pons and Ces Molina each had nine markers for Petron.
Jen Reyes had 15 digs and 15 excellent receptions for Petron.
Petron will play RC Cola Army, F2 Logistics and Foton in another round robin to determine the semifinal seedings.
Pau Soriano scored six points for Navy.