Petron posts No. 2 over F2 Logistics

MANILA, Philippines – Petron rolled to its second win with a 25-17, 25-22, 25-19 romp over F2 Logistics last night to wrest the early solo lead in the Asics Philippine Superliga Grand Prix presented by PLDT Home Ultera at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan.

American Stephanie Niemer sizzled for 21 hits but it was a total team effort for the Tri-Activ Spikers, who also drew big games from Aiza Pontillas, Frances Molina and Serena Warner.
One of the seven foreign players who will represent PSL-F2 Logistics Manila in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship set Oct. 18-23 at the MOA Arena, Niemer delivered 15 kills, two blocks and four aces while Molina chipped in 12 markers, including six attack points and six aces.

Pontillas also tallied nine hits while the 6-foot-5 Warner had eight markers and provided the defensive presence for Petron, which ruled the season-ending conference two years ago before emerging as runner-up last year.

“I’m happy because our performance is improving every game,” said Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos after the 72-minute win in the tournament sponsored by Mikasa, Mueller, Grand Sport and Senoh with TV5 as official broadcast partner and backed by Focus Athletics, KLab Cyscorpions, Foton, Petron and F2 Logistics.

“Our offense was solid and our services were very impressive. We just have to work harder in training, especially now that we will be having a three-week break. I know our locals still have something to show,” said Delos Santos.

With their import in Hayley Spelman yet to arrive, the Cargo Movers banked heavily on Sydney Kemper while Cha Cruz and Aby Maraño tried to spark a rally late in the deciding set, turning a 13-20 disadvantage into a manageable 19-23 deficit.

But Molina connected a kill to seal the victory for Petron.

“This is a long conference,” Delos Santos added. “Although we already won two straight games, winning the title is a different story. We have to condition ourselves and make some adjustments when the league resumes on Nov. 3.”