Petron Blaze Spikers look to complete finals payback
THE Petron Blaze Spikers seek to complete exorcising their finals failure last season as they go for the closeout win today in their best-of-three Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix series with defending champions F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.
Fashioned out an impressive come- from- behind victory in the series opener on Tuesday, the Blaze Spikers are now a win away from bagging the title in the import-laden tournament and exacting payback on the Cargo Movers, who denied them the championship in last year’s edition of the tournament in three games.
American reinforcement Katherine Bell flexed her muscle as he led Petron in bucking being two sets down early and win Game One in five sets, 23-25, 2025, 25-15, 25-22 and 15-9.
Ms. Bell, a former standout at the University of Texas and a late replacement for original import Hillary Hurley, exploded for 42 points, 36 of which coming from attacks, and channelled the unstoppable as they pulled the rug from under F2 Logistics.
Fellow Petron import Lindsay Stalzer was also steady in the marathon game, tallying 17 points, 19 digs and 16 excellent receptions with locals Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Remy Palma coming off the bench to provide quality contributions as the team made their move.
The Cargo Movers tried hard to stave off the charge back by the Blaze Spikers but just could not complete the task.
Imports Maria Jose Perez of Venezuela and Kennedy Bryan of the United States paced F2 Logistics with 16 and 15 points, respectively.
“We know the quality of her game and tonight she showed that she’s up to the challenge,” said Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos of Ms. Bell and the way she carried the team down the stretch.
Game Two of the PSL Grand Prix finals is set for 7 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City. It will be broadcast live over ESPN5.