Red-hot Blaze Spikers repeat over Realtors

MANILA, Philippines — Blazing Petron reasserted its mastery over lowly Sta. Lucia, repeating with a sweep, 25-13, 25-10, 25-13, for its eighth win in a row in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference yesterday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

Sisi Rondina stamped her class anew, erupting for 22 points on 18 kills, two blocks and two aces to lead the way for the reigning champion Blaze Spikers who improved to 10-1.

Petron’s lone loss came at the hands of bitter rival and unbeaten leader F2 Logistics, 25-21, 17-25, 27-25, 25-19, last June 27. 

Rondina was the lone double digit scorer for Petron as skipper Ces Molina, Remy Palma and Bernadeth Pons wound up with just seven, six and five markers, respectively, in this quick match that lasted for only 89 minutes. 

“I’m happy and satisfied with the win. With our standing right now, we might face them again in the quarterfinals. We have to prepare well for that. But for now we need to focus on our last three preliminary matches,” said head coach Shaq delos Santos on the Lady Realtors who are currently at seventh.

No player finished in double digits for Sta. Lucia with Rachel Austero and Amanda Villanueva held to just seven markers apiece.

The absence of Fil-Am hitter MJ Phillips, who had to fly to US for family reasons, also did not help the Lady Realtors’ cause.

 They missed on their attempt for a follow-up to their 25-17, 25-19, 31-29 win over winless Marinerang Pilipinas last week that halted their 10-game slide.