Petron success: Enjoy every game

MANILA, Philippines — Jolted by its sole loss that came at the most important stage of the tournament, Petron chose to put all the pressure aside come the culmination of its best-of-three duel with fierce rival F2 Logistics.

The result – a showcase of its usual dominant self in a 25-22, 26-24, 25-23 Game Three drubbing of the Cargo Movers to retain its Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference title.

The Blaze Spikers were derailed in their quest for their second unbeaten title romp – they swept their way to the AFC crown jewel three years ago – after a stinging 25-21, 19-25, 20-25, 17-25 Game Two loss but got over the hump to still emerge as the best in the field Thursday night at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

“I told them to just go back to Petron’s brand of play. They must enjoy and embrace being in the championship because playing in the finals is not new to us. They must play like it’s a normal game and don’t put pressure on themselves. It would not be easy but they should just stay composed,” said Petron coach Shaq delos Santos.

Playmaker Rhea Dimaculangan, adjudged the Most Valuable Player after the Blaze Spikers’ title-clinching feat, helped calm her teammates’ nerves and keep their focus.

“I reminded my teammates not to be afraid. Because once fear sets in, they will doubt their capabilities. I sent a message to each of them, telling them that I trust them and we can do it,” said Dimaculangan.

It was a message that resonated even to herself as she erased all self-doubt in executing the trick shot that pushed her squad to match point, 24-22.

“I don’t know how I was able to do it. But one must also take the risk. I wanted to also believe in myself, that I can do it. I have nothing to lose. If F2 will be able to get it, my teammates are ready so I tried because it might work,” said Dimaculangan on her crafty dump.

However, she rushed her serve in the next play, sending the ball to the net that briefly rocked her confidence but with belief in her teammates, Dimaculangan and the rest of the Blaze Spikers hoisted the trophy under the shower of white confetti.

“I got excited. I wanted to get the point because I didn’t want the momentum to swing to F2’s side,” said Dimaculangan.

“I got nervous (after netting the serve) because I might be the reason of the momentum shift. For a moment, I thought the game might reach set four. I had a little doubt but your belief in your teammates must outweigh that,” she added.

Delos Santos lauded his players who stuck to the system throughout, thus giving them the slight edge, 3-2, in their fifth straight finals duel with the Cargo Movers.

“All our hard work bore a good result. All our players stuck to our game plan and our program,” said Delos Santos.

Dimaculangan extended her gratitude to her mentor.

“I am thankful to coach Shaq because I felt his trust throughout the season. (He says,) ‘Sige, diskarte mo ‘yan. Ikaw ang bahala,’” said Dimaculangan.