The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers hammered the Foton Tornadoes from the service box before going for the kill to pull off an impressive 25-18, 23-25, 25-20, 25-16 victory in the Chooks-to-Go/Philippine Superliga Grand Prix, Saturday afternoon at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.
Stacked against the taller Tornadoes, the Cargo Movers had a strong start and an even stronger finish to notch their third straight victory.
With the win, F2 Logistics tightened its grip on the second spot with a 5-1 (win-loss) card to move closer behind nemesis Petron.
Maria Jose Perez, who is celebrating her 30th birthday on Sunday, sizzled with 22 kills and two blocks to finish with 25 points while American Kennedy Bryan delivered 15 attacks.
A former UAAP Best Server awardee, Kim Fajardo tallied six of the Cargo Movers’ 13 total aces, a fitting follow up to her five-ace output when they clobbered Cignal last Thursday.
“We know that they (Foton) are tall, so to take away that advantage and force them to work for their first ball, we have to come up with strong services,” said F2 Logistics coach Arnold Laniog, who is subbing in for 10-time UAAP champion coach Ramil de Jesus. “Our target going into this game is to have a strong start. I’m glad that we managed to accomplish that and get this important victory.”
Veteran Cha Cruz finished the job with back-to-back hits before Aby Marano came up with a booming block in the ensuing play for the match point.
Brooke Kranda and Elizabeth Wendel knocked down 17 and 16 points, respectively, for the Tornadoes, who suffered their fourth setback in six matches.
The Cargo Movers will be facing Generika-Ayala in their last assignment in the first round on Tuesday,
