After absorbing their first loss of the 2018 Chooks-to-Go/Philippine Superliga Grand Prix, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers upended the Smart Prepaid Giga Hitters, 25-22, 25-18, 25-17, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The match started close, with Smart clinging to a short-lived 10-13 lead in the first set. After forcing a 15-all deadlock, the Cargo Movers slowly got in front, getting the best of Smart through serving. Former La Salle Lady Spiker Ara Galang hopped off the bench in the crucial part of the opening set and delivered the closing point via a service ace.
The Cargo Movers quickly took control of the second frame, grabbing 13-6 cushion and never looking back. F2 Logistics then wiggled out of a tight predicament in the third set, erasing a 15-13 Smart lead thanks to timely hits from Venezuelan import MJ Perez. Leading 22-17, F2 Logistics delivered the finishing blow via service aces from setter Kim Fajardo.
2017 Grand Prix Most Valuable Player Perez delivered 15 points to lead F2 Logistics, while National Team stalwart Aby Maraño added nine markers.
“We just focused as a team. It was tough loss for us last time, but we knew we could recover. That’s why today’s win is very important for us,” said Perez, who participated in the 2008 Olympics.
Gyselle Silva powered the Giga Hitters with 17 points, while Sanja Trivunivic managed 12 markers.
Both squads take on their next assignments on Tuesday at the Imus Sports Center. F2 Logistics (2-1) face the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors (1-2), while Smart (0-4) take on Generika-Ayala Lifesavers (0-3).
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Perez 15, Maraño 9, Cruz 7, Bryan 6, Fajardo 5, Clemente 4, Galang 1, Nunag 1, Morente 0, Yoshioka (L)
Smart Prepaid (0) – Silva 17, Trivunivic 12, Fabay 2, Serafica 2, Delos Reyes 1, Penetrante 1, Madulid 0, Sabas 0, Sindayen 0, Agno (L)
