MANILA – Cherry Rondina came up with clutch hits as Petron Blaze Spikers cruised to a come-from-behind 17-25, 21-25, 25-11, 25-17, 15-10 win over Cignal HD Spikers in the 2019 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference at the San Juan Arena.
After missing their previous game against Generika-Ayala Lifesavers, Rondina went full blast on Thursday. She lit the scoreboard with 23 kills, two blocks and ace off the bench to lift the Blaze Spikers to its eighth win in nine games.
Mary Remy Palma chipped in 12 points while Negrense Bernadeth Pons had double-double 10 markers and 22 digs.
The defending champions avoided the upset axe of the HD Spikers after losing the first two sets.
After forcing a decider, the Blaze Spikers stepped on the gas late in the fifth set with a 13-9 lead from Frances Molina’s kill and Aiza Maizo Pontillas block on Mylene Paat before Rondina delivered back-to-back hits to seal the come-from-behind win.
Paat and Guimaras native Jovelyn Gonzaga tallied 17 points apiece while Rachel Anne Daquis had 12 markers.
Meanwhile, sisters Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Jaja Santiago conspired as the Foton Tornadoes tallied its third consecutive victory by taking down PLDT Home Ultera Power Hitters, 25-21, 25-21, 25-15.
Santiago-Manabat dropped 14 points, all from attacks, while Santiago scattered 13 points built on 10 kills, two blocks, and an ace to carry the Tornadoes to solo third with a 6-3 slate./PN
