Petron halts Foton run with four-set triumph

Petron Blaze Spikers. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

LIPA CITY—Showing just enough championship finesse, Petron sent high-flying Foton crashing back to earth yesterday.

The Blaze Spikers survived feisty Tornadoes in the first two sets before uncorking a late-set run to secure a 27-25, 25-23, 25-16 triumph in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix women’s volleyball at De La Salle Lipa Sentrum here.

Defending champion Petron now grabbed a share of the lead with idle Philips Gold at 7-2. But more importantly, it put things in order by stopping the rampaging Foton, which entered the match on the crest of a five-game winning streak.

Led by Brazilian explosive scorer Rupia Inck, who had 19 points, Petron is now at 7-2, while Foton fell to 6-4. Both teams are already qualified in the semifinals which will be held Nov. 19.

“I play opposite, outside and I’m also comfortable playing middle. I can play wherever the team needs me to play,” said Inck, the 6-foot-1 smasher who played perfect foil for compatriot Erica Adachi, who made 19 excellent sets.

Her arrival placed Petron in a fearsome shape with just one playing date left in the eliminations. But for Inck, the Blaze Spikers need to step up on blocking.

“If we could do better blocking I don’t think anyone could stop us,” said Inck.

Rachel Anne Daquis added 13 markers for Petron.