Defending champions Petron Blaze Spikers is continuing to climb their way to the top after another victory in the 2019 Philippine Superliga (PSL) All-Filipino Conference, conquering the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors in three sets, 25-13, 25-10, 25-13, last Tuesday, July 30 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Reigning University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Sisi Rondina led her team with 18 kills, two blocks, and two aces, while teammates Ces Molina, Remy Palma, and Bernadeth Pons added seven, six, and five points respectively. Throughout the match, Mika Reyes was spotted on the bench as well but not suited up for the Blaze Spikers due to sickness, so Chloe Cortez filled in and scored a total of four points. As a team, Petron overpowered Sta. Lucia in kills, totalling 38 as opposed to only 16.
Sta. Lucia, which is now currently struggling with a 2-11 win-loss record, missed the presence of import MJ Philips, who is currently in the United States to attend to family matters. Rachel Austero and Amanda Villanueva were the highest pointers, providing seven points for their team individually.
Coach Shaq Delos Santos responded to yet another win by his team, saying, “[I’m] happy and satisfied, but of course, we still need to work hard in training. Our win was beautiful. Hopefully, we can bring that to our upcoming games.” He continued in Filipino, “With our standing now, [Sta. Lucia] might be our opponents, so of course, we’ll prepare for them.”
Cebuana native Rondina also shared that it was “teamwork” that led them to victory, “not just [her],” saying, “So, if there’s anyone to appreciate, it’s the team.” She added, “It’s not a big deal who is put into the game, as long as we contribute and help the team.”
Now, the Blaze Spikers bank another win to mark their win-loss standing at 10-1, only falling one loss behind the undefeated F2 Logistics.
The next Petron match will be against Marinerang Pilipina Lady Spikers on August 6 at the same venue, while Sta. Lucia is facing Generika-Ayala on Thursday, August 1 at the Filoil Flying V Center.