Petron drubs Cocolife for top spot

Petron players celebrate after notching a point against Cocolife during Thursday’s match. —SHERWIN VARDELEON

Lindsay Stalzer likes Petron’s chances in the coming quarterfinals.

“We are an awesome team. I mean, my teammates are awesome, we have great chemistry and it shows on the court,” said Stalzer Thursday night.

The prolific scorer from Illinois, who is on her fourth tour of duty in the country, banged in 13 points as Petron drubbed Cocolife, 25-19, 25-21, 25-22, to close out the eliminations on the top of the Chooks-to-Go Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Blaze Spikers share the same 7-1 record with the resting Foton Tornadoes. But more importantly, Petron will be coming into the quarterfinals riding on the crest of a four-game winning streak.

They will most probably take on either Iriga City or Sta. Lucia Realty in the knockout phase starting on Tuesday.

“I think we need to focus on passing,” said Stalzer, who twice led the Tornadoes to the title. “And maybe we can toughen up our service games and then we’ll be good to go.”

Petron was only in trouble briefly in the third set when Tai Manu-Olevao was trying to rally Cocolife for a 12-10 lead.

“I guess that was just because we wanted to finish the game quickly,” said Stalzer. “But I’m really glad that Ces (Molina) really took over.”

Molina scored three straight points to put things in order and, later in the frame, drilled in a thunderous spike for a 21-20 lead.

Hillary Hurley added 12 points for Petron whose overall defense countered the efforts of Olevao, who had 16 points.