Blaze Spikers put lock on PSL playoff top spot

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion Petron sealed top seeding in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference playoffs with a 25-23, 24-26, 24-26, 25-22, 19-17 escape act versus Foton at the Corpus Christi Gym in Cagayan de Oro City late Saturday.

Picking up from where she left off in their last outing versus F2 Logistics, hitter Sisi Rondina exploded for 32 points as the Blaze Spikers closed their elims stint with a 13-1 win-loss card.

The Blaze Spikers, as the top seeds, take on No. 8 Marinerang Pilipina in the knockout quarters.

Rondina, the UAAP MVP from UST, also came up with 20 digs and 10 excellent receptions in a superb all-around play while getting solid support from skipper Ces Molina (13), Mika Reyes (13) and Bernadeth Pons (12).

Rhea Dimaculangan dished off 30 excellent sets while libero Denden Lazaro provided 22 digs and 13 receptions in a well-balanced Petron game fashioned out in front of a wild CDO crowd.

“It’s unbelievable. All the credits go to my players. They did not give up. It’s all about their heart and desire to win this match,” said coach Shaq delos Santos on the thrilling CDO out-of-town show that lasted for two hours and 29 minutes.

The Blaze Spikers went on a rollercoaster ride but refused to disappoint the CDO crowd, clawing back from one-set-to-two down to win their PSL Spike on Tour assignment.

Foton fell short on its upset bid against the two-time champion despite 31 and 26 points from sisters Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Jaja Santiago, respectively.

The Tornadoes slid to 7-6 for joint fourth spot with Cignal entering the last preliminary play date tomorrow in Malolos.

It’s Foton versus Marinerang Pilipina at 4:15 p.m. then F2 Logistics against Cignal at 7 p.m.