AIZA Maizo Pontillas and Carmina Aganon provide an unstoppable two barreled attack for the Petron Tri-Activ Spikers.
Team captain Pontillas came up with a fiery performance as she scored 16 points to power Petron past the Foton Tornadoes in straight sets to grab the early lead in the 2016 Philippine Superliga (PSL) All-Filipino Conference women’ volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
Pontillas was steady throughout the game while Carmina Aganon provided the finishing touches to help the Tri-Activ Spikers keep Foton led by Jaja Santiago and rookie Cherry Rondina at bay.
Petron ended with a solid game to prevail in their 70-minute clash against the Tornadoes.
Petron coach George Pascua commended Pontillas for the leadership that she is providing for the team.
But, for Pontillas, an effective leader needs to be able to encourage her teammates to give their best.
“Iniisip ko na hindi ako captain. Lahat dapat maging lider sa court,” said Pontillas.
Pontillas scored two timely hits at the right flank in the third set to keep matters close, 16-all.
Open spiker Aganon then delivered the crucial blows for reigning champion Petron Tri-Activ Spikers late in the game.
Playing a more mature game on her second year with the team, Aganon’s spikes, mostly from the right side, allowed the Tri-Activ Spikers to clobber bitter rival Foton, 25-19, 25-17, 25-21.
“Pinagtapos ko siya ng laro. Knowing her character dun siya effective,” said coach Pascua.
The 5’11” Aganon delivered six points in the last set, including two kills off blocks by Carol Ann Cerveza.
This allowed Petron to finally keep the upper hand, 19-16, and after breaking away from a 16-all deadlock.
“Hindi na ako kabado sa laro ko ngayon,” said Aganon who is in her second season with Petron. She joined the team after her stint with the National University Lady Bulldogs.
The Tri-Activ Spikers share the early lead with the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, which turned back Cignal, 25-12, 23-25, 25-20, 25-11, in an earlier game.
In another game RC Cola-Army Lady Troopers defeated Amy’s Kitchen-Perpetual Help, 25-19, 25-17, 25-18, last Tuesday.
Pontillas as quicker and middle blocker and Aganon as outside hitter provide a virtually unstoppable two pronged attack for the Petron Tri-Activ Spikers.