Blaze Spikers go for PSL Grand Prix crown
A WIN away from clinching the title for the season-ending Philippine SuperLiga (PSL) Grand Prix, the Petron Blaze Spikers go for the clincher when they collide with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in Game Two today of their best-ofthree finals series at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan City.
In their element from start to finish, the Blaze Spikers proved themselves to be a handful for the Cargo Movers in Game One last Tuesday en route to the seriesleading 25-14, 25- 21 and 25-16 victory.
Imports Lindsay Stalzer and Hillary Hurley towed Petron to the win in a game which coach Shaq delos Santos described as the way they envisioned it.
Ms. Stalzer, a one- time PSL most valuable player, struck for 15 kills and three blocks for 20 points while her co- import Hurley also tallied 20 points in the one-hour, 23-minute game.
“Everything went according to plan. We executed our game plan to perfection and everybody worked hard for this victory. We managed to hit our service targets and had defensive good reaction to their set plays. It was a good game,” said Mr. Delos Santos after the game in assessing their Game One performance.
“Our game plan was very effective. We were able to take them out of their comfort zone,” added the Petron coach.
While they rued not being able to execute their game as much as they wanted to in the seriesopener, F2 Logistics coach Ramil de Jesus said they are not losing hope yet and will try to come out better for today’s game.
The multi- titled collegiate coach said key for them is getting back to their game, including getting in more passes.
“There was nothing left to say. We just need to bounce back in Game Two and play better,” said Mr. De Jesus after.
Leading the Cargo Movers in Game One was Venezuelan import Maria Jose Perez, who had 15 kills.
FOTON SETTLES FOR THIRD
Meanwhile, erstwhile PSL Grand Prix defending champions Foton Tornadoes wrapped up the bronze in the tournament following a 25-17, 25-16, 25-17 victory over the Cocolife Asset Managers in their knockout battle for third also last Tuesday.
Jaja Santiago led the Foton assault with 10 kills, four blocks and three aces for 17 points while import Sara Klisura and Dragana Perunicnic had 13 and 11 points, respectively, in their farewell performance this conference.
Despite not being able to defend their title in the finals, Foton coach Moro Branislav still viewed their third-place finish as a positive for the team and something to build on in the next conferences.
“It’s okay. That’s volleyball; sometimes you win, sometimes you lose,” said Mr. Branislav.
“In my opinion, there are three good teams in thi s league; F2 Logistics, Petron and Foton. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished and coming up with a podium finish is good than having nothing at all,” he added.
Game Two of the PSL Grand Prix finals is to be shown live over ESPN5 starting at 7 p.m.