The net will decide

The Petron Blaze Spikers want nothing more than to win another title.

After copping the Grand Prix import-flavored tournament earlier this year, Petron is bent on picking up a second crown that could line it up to win all three Philippine Superliga titles this year.

Step two in that drive was completed at Muntinlupa Sports Center over the weekend. The Blaze Spikers made short work of Smart Army in three sets to book the first seat in the Invitational finals. Youth and energy were clearly on Petron’s side as the Giga Hitters tried to stay in step with the blistering tempo of the Blaze Spikers.

Mika Reyes, Sisi Rondina, Ces Molina and Aiza Maizo Pontillas combined for 33 points in a multisided attack on the Smart Army defense. The abundance of Petron scorers to choose from for excellent setter Rhea Dimaculangan poses a serious threat to any opponent.

Petron’s championship momentum will make for an engaging final against an F2 Logistics team that has been honed by years of playing together under coach Ramil De Jesus’ system. The Cargo Movers entered the final with a straight sets win over the Cignal HD Spikers, who were hoping to cap their undefeated elimination round run with a chance to defend the title they won last year.

Battling and winning over F2 is never easy. You face a battery of aggressive scorers who know how to play the middle and the wings. Aby Maraño, Cha Cruz-Behag, and Ara Galang are joined by the equally productive Mary Joy Baron, Kim Dy, Desiree Cheng and Mich Morente. Veteran setter Kim Fajardo knows how to make each spiker happy as she ably mixes her tosses across the net.

The best-of-three series which starts this Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan will most likely be decided by the defense each side will throw against each other. For floor defense, F2 will have a strong asset in the industrious and creative libero Dawn Macandili. The Petron liberos, Ria Duremdes and Princess Gaiser will have to elevate their games to a high level to keep the ball in play for Petron.

The title could be decided at the net where the blocking will have to be consistent, precise and creative. In a showdown of heavy aerial hitters and deceptive plays, the first line of defense will have to hold or slow down the onslaught.