PLDT trims SLR; Petron, F2 dispute Superliga lead

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT Home Fibr disposed of Sta. Lucia in straight sets, 25-15, 26-24, 25-13, to get back on track and firm up its hold of third spot in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix Thursday night at Filoil Flying V Center.

After a numbing loss to Petron last time, the Power Hitters leaned on the strong showing from Grace Lazard (11 attacks, six blocks, two aces), Kendra Dahlke (15 points and 13 digs) and Shola Alvarez (eight points, 14 digs and six receptions) to get back on track and post their seventh win in 12 games.

The Power Hitters dominated the first and third but needed to fight back from a 16-19 deficit and finish strong before taking the second.

Lazard said the squad somehow lost its focus in Set 2, where PLDT turned to Dahlke for the close-out hit and ace after a 24-24 deuce.

“We just used each other’s energy to stay composed and refocus. One of the main things with our team is when we’re focused we do great things,” said Lazard.

Livewire PSL GP action continues today with unbeaten leader Petron (10-0) and second-running F2 Logistics (8-2) mixing it up in their newest rivalry matchup in the prestigious league that has ESPN5 and 5Plus as broadcast partners.

“We can’t be complacent against them (F2 Logistics). They will surely prepare so we have to be ready as well. This is going to be an interesting game,” said Petron coach Shaq delos Santos, whose team dropped a set just once in the entire tournament in their four-set win over F2 last March 7.