Kath Bell leads Petron. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO
MANILA, Philippines—Petron had a rousing start to its title defense after a sweep of Generika-Ayala, 25-22, 25-22, 25-21, in the opening match of the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix Saturday at Filoil Flying V Center.
The Blaze Spikers, who lost valuable members in the offseason, relied on returning import Kath Bell who scored a game-high 17 points while Remy Palma added 11 points.
The defending champions managed to create some distance after scoring three straight points for the 23-19 lead after Aiza Maizo-Pontillas denied Eli Soyud up top.
Head coach Emil Lontoc, who replaced Shaq Delos Santos, said he was satisfied with how his team performed and that a sweep in their opening match was a big morale booster for a team that’s essentially starting on a new foot.
“This is a big encouragement for us and it made us realize that we can win because some of us can’t help but think negatively of what happened,” said Lontoc in Filipino.
“I also told them that as long as Kath is there, she’ll always be able to help us no matter what.”
Petron lost its core in the offseason that included Mika Reyes, Rhea Dimaculangan, Cherry Rondina, and Bernadeth Pons.
Coincidentally, Dimaculangan along with former Blaze Spiker Chinchin Basas, played against their former teammates.
“Of course the players saw their former teammates on the other side of the net and that motivated them for sure,” said Lontoc.
Elizabeth Vicet Campos finished with 15 points to lead the Lifesavers.