Petron extends win run

Petron notched its 13th straight win with a 25-21, 25-12, 25-20 conquest of Sta. Lucia in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix yesterday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Imports Stephanie Niemer and Katherine Bell led the way for the Blaze Spikers, who matched the 13game winning streak that they posted when they won the All-Filipino title in 2015 and 2017.

Niemer fired 17 kills, three blocks and three aces to finish with 23 points while Bell dropped 12 kills for a 13-point effort and Mika Reyes finished with seven for Petron, which has to win over United VC on Saturday to complete its sweep of the preliminaries.

“We’re happy that we were able to match what we accomplished last conference,” said Petron head coach Shaq Delos Santos, who was an assistant coach when the Blaze Spikers notched a sweep of the All-Filipino in 2015.

“I’m very proud not because we stayed undefeated in 13 games, but because all the hardships in games and trainings are worth it.”

Meanwhile, Kendra Dahlke displayed her might as she powered PLDT Home Fibr to an emphatic 25-23, 25-16, 25-22 win over United VC in the first game.

Ranged against former Arizona teammate Kalei Mau, Dahlke towed the Power Hitters to victory to formally secure the third twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals of this prestigious women’s club tournament that has ESPN5 and 5Plus as broadcast partners.

Dahlke unloaded 21 kills, two blocks and an ace for 24 points while Grace Lazard shone with 15 markers and Aiko Urdas added nine points for PLDT, which also drew an impressive performance from setter Jasmine Nabor who had 24 excellent sets on top of 18 digs and three attacks.