On par with their two previous matches, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers needed to quell Generika-Ayala’s grittiness to prevail, 21-25, 25-15, 25-20, 19-25, 15-5, to enter the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference Finals at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.
The Lifesavers came out with their usual unwavering reception and floor defense. The first set was filled with Generika-Ayala converting on their transition opportunities and slowly overtaking the Cargo Movers.
F2 Logistics then found their gear in the next two sets. The Cargo Movers peppered the Lifesavers with attacks from all angles in the second and third set, leading to cushy wins.
Generika-Ayala then went to middle blockers Ria Meneses and Mika Lopez to spark a late fourth set run and drag the match to a fifth set.
The Cargo Movers then imposed their advantage at the net, grabbing an 11-3 lead thanks to quick hits and blocks from middle blockers Majoy Baron and Aby Maraño.
F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus was specific in his reminders prior to the final set.
“Sabi ko kung gusto nila maglaro sa Thursday, sige lang. Pero kung ayaw niyo, tapusin niyo na. Kung di pa kayo pagod, edi maglaro pa tayo sa Thursday,” said De Jesus as his team was suffering from several injuries, most notably to starting opposite hitter Kianna Dy.
“Actually, nakikita ko naman na kapag kaya pigain ‘yung kalaban, napipiga naman. May mga times lang galaga na petiks eh,” the decorated mentor added.
Captain Cha Cruz-Behag led the Cargo Movers with 17 points while veteran middle blocker Aby Maraño added 16.
Angeli Araneta topped the Lifesavers with 17 markers. Patty Orendain and Fiolla Ceballos contributed 15 and 11 points, respectively.
F2 Logistics bagged their sixth Finals apperance, their third in the All-Filipino Cup.
The Cargo Movers await the winner of the Petron-Cignal series to determine their foes in the best-of-three Finals which begins on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Behag 17, Maraño 16, Galang 15, Baron 12, Morente 12, Fajardo 7, Gallenero 1, Ogunsanya 0, Macandili (L)
Generika-Ayala (2) – Araneta 17, Orendain 15, Ceballos 11, Lopez 9, Meneses 7, Hingpit 3, Pineda 1, Cerveza 0, Lavitoria 0, Arado (L), General (L)
