Title-starved Petron try to end drought vs F2

MANILA, Philippines – For the past couple of years, Petron’s campaign in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix always ends up in smoke.

But this time, the Blaze Spikers have the golden opportunity to reverse their fortune.

Petron head coach Shaq Delos Santos said they would go all out when they clash with F2 Logistics in Game One of their Chooks to Go-PSL Grand Prix best-of-three title showdown on Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Blaze Spikers are definitely hungry.

After winning the Grand Prix crown in 2015 with American hitter Alaina Bergsma and Brazilian playmaker Erica Adachi at the helm, the Blaze Spikers suffered two years of frustration from the hands of bitter rival Foton.

They failed to defend their title with Adachi and Rupia Inck as imports before bombing out with Stephanie Niemer and Serena Warner at the helm.

This time, Foton’s key to that success in import Lindsay Stalzer is already at the their side together with former Tornadoes Sisi Rondina, Rhea Dimaculangan and assistant coach Ian Fernandez.

The Blaze Spikers blew by Foton in the semifinals, setting the stage for this grand showdown with an equally hungry Cargo Movers.

“We know that for the past two years, we’re always being beaten by Foton for the (Grand Prix) title,” said Delos Santos, who was part of George Pascua’s coaching staff when the Blaze Spikers ruled the Grand Prix three years ago.

“That’ why winning this title means a lot to us. We are very hungry and we will do everything to win.”

Observers believe that the Blaze Spikers have all the tools to emerge victorious.

Former De La Salle University star Mika Reyes is on their side as well as seasoned stalwarts Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Frances Molina, Remy Palma, Marivic Meneses and Bernadeth Pons and Rondina.

Their imports are Stalzer and another decorated journeywoman in Hillary Hurley together with Japanese libero Yuri Fukuda.

But Delos Santos stressed that the depth of his roster is no longer a factor.

“This is already the finals,” he said. “It’s no longer a question of roster, imports, or any other factors. It’s now a question of heart and desire. Who wants it more will surely win the title.”

Petron will be up against an F2 Logistics side that has the league’s most fluid chemistry.

Head coach Ramil de Jesus is a matter tactician who knows how to squeeze out the best out his wards like Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Aby Marano and imports Maria Jose Perez and Kennedy Bryan.

More than that, the Cargo Movers are also hungry.

“We also want to experience how it feels winning the Grand Prix,” said de Jesus, who steered the Lady Spikers to 10 UAAP titles and the Cargo Movers to the All-Filipino crown last year.

Delos Santos said he knows that facing F2 Logistics will not be an easy journey so they have to be at their best at every single set.

They have to prove that they want it.

For him, only the bravest of hearts will win the elusive crown.