Petron picks Philips Gold apart in three-set win

MANILA, Philippines – The Petron Blaze Spikers started strong and didn’t slow down the rest of the way in their three-set, 25-16, 25-18, 25-23, win over the Philips Gold Lady Slammers on opening Saturday, March 21, of the 2015 Philippine Superliga season at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Dindin Santiago-Manabat was feasting on Philips Golds’ defense all game, finishing with 13 points – 10 on kills – while her teammates Frances Molina and Aby Marano finished with a combined 13 points.

In the second set, Petron used an 11-1 run to take control after trailing 8-5 in the early goings.

After prevailing, the third set looked like it was also going to be an easy win for the Blaze Spikers, but a 7-1 run by Philips Gold trimmed the deficit to one, 19-18.

Both teams would tie at 22 after a few runs from each side. With the game on the line, Santiago-Manabat and Fille Cainglet converted scores to put their squad at match point. The Lady Slammers scored to cut the lead to one, but then a service ace by Desiree Dadang sealed the loss for her club.

Myla Pablo had 13 points to lead Philips Gold, while Dadang had 8 markers. Top overall pick Iris Tolenada scored 0 in her first game and had just 14 excellent sets.

Scores:

Petron (75) – Manabat 13, Molina 7, Maraño 6, Morada 5, Cayetano 3, Micek 1, Perez 1, Masangkay 0, Cabalsa 0, Zapanta 0, Aganon 0, Reyes (L)

Philip’s Gold (57) – Pablo 13, Gumabao 8, Dadang 8, Fajardo 4, Malaluan 1, Mea 1, Gohing (L)

Set Scoring: 25-16, 25-18, 25-23

– Rappler.com