Petron tossers pip Foton in 4
Petron withstood heavy fire from a gritty Foton squad to prevail, 25-18, 26-24, 20-25, 25-19, last night for its second straight win in the Philippine Superliga All Filipino Conference at Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
Dindin Manabat drilled in 23 points, including 20 spikes from high up the net, to lead the Blaze Spikers, who grabbed the solo lead.
Former University of the Philippines gunner Nicole Tiamzon made her presence felt with 22 points, 16 on spikes delivered from different angles, as Foton pushed Petron’s defenses to the limit.
Veteran Patty Jane Orendain delivered 21 points while neophyte Angeli Araneta added 10.
The Blaze Spikers responded with a balanced attack that saw five of their players score in double figures. Frances Molina fired 14 points, while team captain Maica Morada and Rachel Daquis each scored 11 points and Aby Maraño contributed 10.
Daquis, debuting for her new team, clinched the win when she hammered a spike that bounced off Royce Estampa’s face at match point.
After a trouble-free first set, Petron survived a late uprising in the second frame with Manabat coming up with a decisive slam that slipped past a phalanx of outstretched Foton arms.
But Foton doubled up in defense to forge a fourth set after taking a 20-16 lead in the third set behind Tiamzon and Orendain.
It was a tight contest in the fourth before Petron broke away from 12-12 tie behind Maraño, Manabat and Daquis.
Maraño finished with two blocks and three excellent receptions. Manabat had two aces, while Ivy Perez dished out 16 excellent sets for Petron.
Tiamzon added three blocks and three aces for Foton.
