MANILA, Philippines–Petron wasted eight match points in the fourth set and had to scramble in the deciding frame to overcome Cignal, 25-11, 20-25, 25-22, 25-27, 16-14, Saturday to remain unbeaten in the Philippine Superliga Invitationals at Caloocan Sports Complex.
The defending champions Blaze Spikers appeared to be cruising to a win with a 24-17 lead in the fourth until it all went south with a rash of errors and crucial hits by top HD Spiker Mylene Paat.
Still reeling from that collapse, Petron dug deep in its experience, climbing from 6-11 in the fifth frame to steal the match and score their fifth win in as many games.
Sisi Rondina blasted away with 33 points, including a thunderous kill that pushed the Blaze Spikers to within 12-13 in the fifth.
The Blaze Spikers also practically settled the score with the HD Spikers who dethroned them in the last All Filipino Conference.
Cignal dropped to 5-1 although it is already assured of the semifinal spot along with Petron.