Petron seizes Superliga lead

Dindin Santiago scored well below her usual output but Petron still proved too tough in overwhelming erstwhile unbeaten RC Cola-Air Force, 25-22, 25-3, 26-24, last night to grab the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference women’s volleyball lead at the jampacked Cuneta Astrodome.

Averaging 34 points the past two games, Santiago contributed just 23 this time as the Blaze Spikers came up with a well-balanced attack and sturdy defense in nailing their third straight victory.

The 6-foot-2 rookie, on her way to becoming the league’s marquee player, drilled in 19 on the attack, two on serves and two on blocks aside from making four excellent digs that disrupted the Raiders’ usually seamless game.

“We tried to beat them with our speed and defense,” said Petron coach George Pascua who also drew major scoring support from  Sandra delos Santos and Maica Morada who added 11 and 9 points, respectively.

It was the first loss in four games for RC Cola, which was completely outplayed in the second set.

Later, Jovelyn Gonzaga topscored with 19 points to lead Generika-Army past AirAsia, 25-20, 23-25, 25-20, 25-15. It was the Lady Troopers’ second straight win for a 2-2 slate.

Veteran setter Tina Salak suited up for the first time in the conference and acted as a hinge for Generika-Army’s offense. The Flying Spikers dropped to 2-1.

Santiago later revealed she’s got hurting knees “because they are overused.”

Pascua said they’ll prepare special exercises for Santiago to enable her to rest her knees without missing matches.

Petron rained six service aces on RC Cola which forced coach Clarence Esteban to replace veteran Rhea Dimaculangan with a shorter Wendy Semana.

“I tried to make adjustments but nothing happened, we didn’t have decent receptions,” said Esteban.