The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers remained red hot in the 2017 Chooks-to-Go Philippine Superliga Grand Prix after out-muscling the Cocolife Asset Managers, 26-24, 25-21, 25-21, at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center.
After dropping the second set of their first match against the Petron Blaze Spikers, the Cargo Movers won the next eight frames to put up an immaculate 3-0 record.
F2 Logistics, however, did not waltz to the victory. Cocolife, who were coming off a two-game winning streak, had all the momentum in the first set, grabbing an 18-16 lead thanks to solid serving. But the Cargo Movers showed their championship mettle and leaned on their famed blocking to crawl back into the match. Consecutive transition hits from their imports allowed F2 Logistics to force a deuce and setup their deadly endgame to close out the first set.
Cocolife found success in the second set, getting through with their imports and taking a 16-14 lead. However, they broke down again as F2 Logistics’ solid serving pounded their reception and slowly opened the doors to a route. The Cargo Movers closed the second frame on an 8-2 run and continued to frustrate the Asset Managers late in the following set.
F2 Logistics’ mastery over Cocolife was on full display in the match’s last two points — a block on Michele Gumabao, followed by an error from Taylor Milton.
“Nakita kong nagpanalo sa amin is ‘yung determination namin. Wala pa kaming talo so ‘yun ‘yung gusto naming i-maintain,” said F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus, who is gunning for the first Grand Prix title of his decorated career.
2008 Olympian Maria Jose Perez towed F2’s offense with 18 points. Fellow import Kennedy Bryan and National Team standout Kianna Dy each added 10 markers.
Milton finished with 21 points to led Cocolife while Manu-Olevao added 14.
The Cargo Movers can make it four in a row when they face the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers (2-3) on Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Cocolife (2-3) look to keep pace for a top four spot when they take on Iriga City (1-2), also on Thursday.
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Perez 18, Bryan 10, Dy 10, Maraño 8, Baron 5, Fajardo 0, Macandili (L), Saga (L)
Cocolife (0) – Milton 21, Manu-Olevao 14, Gonzales 8, Gumabao 3, Bautista 2, Bunag 2, Pabayao 2, Tejada 0, Tiu 0, Lazaro (L)
