Petron not rushing PSL comeback bid

MANILA, Philippines — Shortly after suffering what could be the greatest collapse in league history, Petron wants to slow down and take it easy.

 

Head coach Shaq Delos Santos said they would enjoy the holiday season for the meantime before buckling down to work in preparation for the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix that kicks off on February 17 next year.

 

The past year has been grueling for the Blaze Spikers.

 

After failing to win the title in the Invitational Conference, the Blaze Spikers launched a massive comeback and dominated the All-Filipino Conference, thanks to the recruitment of a stellar cast of players like Mika Reyes, Sisi Rondina and Rhea Dimaculangan.

 

But the Grand Prix was a different story.

 

After slicing through the eliminations with a 7-1 win-loss mark, the Blaze Spikers suffered minor turbulence when Generika-Ayala gave them a scare.

 

Fortunately, order was restored when they dominated reigning champion Foton in the semifinals to book a best-of-three finals showdown with F2 Logistics.

 

Then, the grand collapse happened.

 

Petron prevailed convincingly in Game One as it hammered a straight-set win. The Blaze Spikers were looking to claim the title when they posted a 9-0 lead in the fourth set of Game Two.

 

Then, disaster struck.

 

The Cargo Movers chewed the lead and stretched the match into fifth set.

 

It was all F2 Logistics from there as the vaunted defense, offensive attack and poise of Petron conked out in the crucial, kill-or-be killed Game Three.

 

Delos Santos said they want to savor the holiday break first because addressing all concerns.

 

“Right now, I think it’s time for us to take a break. We want to rest because it had been a very long series for us,” said Delos Santos, noting that the long series and difficult journey took a toll on their minds and bodies.

 

“We need to recover.”

 

Delos Santos, who steered Petron to a bridesmaid finish in the Grand Prix last year, admitted that they have yet to come up with a concrete plan for next year — or when the brand-new season erupts in two months’ time.

 

Insiders claimed that Petron would be intact for the Grand Prix with Rondina and Bernadeth Pons becoming the only subtractions as they have to return to their respective university teams for the UAAP.

 

The rest of the squad will be back, including import Lindsay Stalzer who openly expressed her intention to another deal with the Blaze Spikers.

 

Delos Santos, however, said nothing is cast in stone.

 

“We will have a meeting to discuss what we have to do for 2018,” said Delos Santos. “But so far, we don’t have any schedule. We just want to rest and recover.”

 

When further pressed for future plans, Delos Santos responded with a smile.

 

For sure, Petron will be back stronger, better than ever in 2018.