Petron blasts Foton to open PSL campaign

Aiza Maizo leads Petron Tri-Activ in PSL. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Petron turned up the notch and blitzed past a stunned Foton in three sets, 25-19, 25-17, 25-21, to start its campaign in the Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino Conference on a high gear Saturday at San Juan Arena.

Aiza Maizo-Pontillas was relentless for Petron, leading the Tri-Activ Spikers with 16 points while team newcomer Remy Palma had nine.

Tri-Activ head coach George Pascua said they wanted to start their offense early, beginning with their service, to prevent the Tornadoes from setting up potential attacks for towering middle blocker Jaja Santiago.

“Kasi ang unang game plan namin ay ang service talaga,” said Pascua whose team are the defending champions in the tournament. “Hindi sila dapat maka receive and naging effective siya kasi si Jaja hindi umatake nang umatake so napigilan namin.”

Santiago managed to score 10 points but that was the most of any Tornado. Cherry Ann Rondina managed to get seven on her own for Foton.

Pascua’s plan of shaving an early offense paid off as Petron recorded seven service aces and had 39 points off spikes.

Foton only had three service aces and 32 points off spikes.