True to form, the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers showed grit and ground their way out of a three-game funk to score their first win ever over the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers, 25-19, 22-25, 25-16, 28-26, in the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Lifesavers forced several long rallies throughout the match, tiring the ailing Cargo Movers, who were without starting opposite hitter Kianna Dy due to a sore left knee.
After dominating the third set, Generika were poised to run away with the match, leading the fourth frame 17-11. F2 Logistics, however, unleashed an 11-0 run thanks to solid serving from Michelle Morente. Trailing 24-21, Generika middle blocker Mikaela Lopez made key defensive plays and served an ace that tied the match at 24. Generika eventually clinched the win after a Morente attack error capped their finished 3-0 rally.
Generika head coach Sherwin Meneses lauded his players’ resiliency through their first three losses.
“Sabi ko naman sa mga player, maganda naman ‘yung nilalaro namin the past few games, may kulang lang talaga. Ngayon, pinakita nila ‘yung tibay nila,” said Meneses. “May mga lapses pa kami na kailangan talaga gamutin, pero malaking bagay na ‘to para sa kumpiyansa namin.”
Patty Orendain led the Lifesavers with 18 points, 24 digs, and 10 excellent receptions. Libero Kath Arado was splendid, tallying 41 digs and 15 excellent receptions.
Morente filled in for Dy and managed 14 points and 13 excellent receptions, while captain Cha Cruz-Behag added 11 markers.
Generika (1-3) next take on the Smart Giga Hitters (1-1) on Saturday at the Caloocan Sports Center. F2 Logistics (3-2) will try to end their two-game slump on Thursday against the Foton Blue Energy (3-0).
The Scores
Generika-Ayala (3) – Orendain 18, Araneta 15, Ceballos 12, Lopez 12, Meneses 11, Hingpit 5, Cerveza 0, Espinosa 0, Pineda 0, Arado (L)
F2 Logistics (1) – Morente 14, Behag 11, Baron 10, Galang 10, Maraño 10, Fajardo 5, Luna 1, Cobb 0, Ogunsanya 0, Macandili (L)
