F2 Logistics stifles Smart for fifth win

The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers capped their 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference first round campaign with a decisive win over the Smart Giga Hitters, 25-11, 25-22, 25-17, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

After dominating the first set, F2 Logistics needed to stave off Smart in a tight second set encounter. Tied at 22, the Cargo Movers relied on steady serving from Kim Fajardo to clinch the next three points and claim a 2-0 lead. Smart seemed to have the inside track on the third set, taking a 7-4 lead. But F2 Logistics quickly shut the door on Smart, grabbing the next 12 points to take the victory.

With a 5-2 record, F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus now looks to get his squad healthy.

“Hindi ako sobrang happy kasi maraming in-pain. So, ‘yun naman ‘yung kahit ma-sweep ‘yung first round pero hindi naman healthy ‘yung team mo, nakakatakot din,” said De Jesus, as several of his players are playing through minor injuries.

Middle blocker Majoy Baron powered the Cargo Movers with 15 points, while Aby Maraño added 10 markers.

Jerrili Malabanan topped Smart with eight points. Grethcel Soltones added six.

The Cargo Movers await their final seeding to determine their bracket in the next elimination round. Smart finish the first round in sixth with a 2-5 record. They are grouped with the Petron Blaze Spikers, Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors, and either F2 Logistics or the Foton Blue Energy in the next round.

The Scores

F2 Logistics (3) – Baron 15, Maraño 10, Dy 9, Galang 9, Behag 7, Fajardo 7, Cobb 1, Luna 1, Gallenero 0, Morente 0, Macandili (L), Saga (L)

Smart (0) – Malabanan 8, Soltones 6, Urdas 5, Macabalitao 4, Nabor 4, Sta. Rita 3, Singh 2, Carandang 1, Villegas 1, Cayuna 0, Latigay 0, Eroa (L), Pantone (L)