Petron Tri-Activ Spikers. Photo from Philippine Super Liga Facebook account.
Petron clinched the second ticket in the 2016 Philippine Superliga Invitational final round with a huge five-set victory over RC Cola Army, 19-25, 29-27, 25-22, 14-25, 15-12 Thursday at San Juan Arena.
Banking on the prowess of their three new recruits, the Tri-Activ Spikers blemished the Lady Troopers’ then-perfect record, giving the latter their first defeat in five matches.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas came through for Petron, scoring 15 of her 16 points off kills, while Bang Pineda added 12 markers, 15 of which from hits.
CJ Rosario also got 13 points, as Grace Masangkay had 22 excellent sets in the victory.
The win pulled the two teams on an identical 4-1 record, and Petron is assured of a spot in the final round, where it will face Thai squad EST COLA.
“Yung game plan namin naging effective naman. Pinatibay namin yung depensa namin, which is receiving and blocking,” said Petron coach George Pascua. “Ang daming makakatalo sa amin pag ayaw naming manalo. Dapat andun yung desire naming manalo every game.”
The Tri-Active Spikers squandered a chance to take the win in the fourth set with a lackluster showing, forcing Pascua to save his starters for the deciding set and allowing RC Cola to take a 25-14 set.
But Maizo-Pontillas took charge late, scoring the last two points for Petron before Jov Gonzaga sent the ball out for the clincher.
Royse Tubino held the fort for RC Cola with 20 points, 17 of which from spikes, while Joanne Bunag had eight.