Import Alexis Olgard of Philips Gold goes for a kill against the defense of Petron’s Dindin Santiago Manabat. (INQUIRER)
THE PHILIPS Gold Lady Slammers put on display their intention to be serious contenders for the title as they eked past the Petron Blaze Spikers in a heart-pounding 28-30, 29-27, 25-17, 25-23 victory in the final day of the elimination round of the 2015 Philippine SuperLiga (PSL) Grand Prix women’s volleyball tournament on Monday night at The Arena in San Juan.
Even without ace spiker Myla Pablo, the Lady Slammers still showed incredible poise and power as they essayed the thrilling victory over the reigning champions.
Imports Bojana Todorovic and Alexis Olgard worked doubly hard to fill the void left by Pablo, who begged off due to some pressing commitments in her school, National University.
The former UCLA standout, Todorovic, erupted for 34 kills and four aces for a conference-high of 38 points while Olgard delivered 16 kills and four blocks.
The Lady Slammers closed the double-round eliminations on top with an 8-2 (win-loss) card while pushing the Blaze Spikers to the second spot with a 7-3 record.
Meanwhile, Cignal hung tough down the stretch to eke out a 25-22, 25-19, 21-25, 25-21 decision over Meralco in the second game.
Import Ariel Usher had another monster game, finishing with 28 of her 29 points on kills while Amanda Anderson churned a wonderful all-around performance with 14 kills, two blocks and two aces for the HD Spikers, who closed the elimination round with a 7-3 card.
The win installed the HD Spikers in the third spot to book a blockbuster semifinal duel with reigning champion Petron.
The Lady Slammers, on the other hand, will clash with Foton in the other semifinal pairing on Thursday.