The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers displayed the might of their deep, all-around lineup, sweeping fellow powerhouse Foton Tornadoes, 25-21, 25-21, 25-14, to kick off the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Cup at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
F2 Logistics started the match with a furious rally in the first set. Tied at 7, the Cargo Movers went on a 9-2 run that buried the Tornadoes. Foton kept the second set close, thanks to solid play from their second stringers. But after bringing back most of their starters, F2 Logistics slammed the door on Foton, breaking away from a 21-all tie and taking the next four points to close the set.
The Cargo Movers’ core players capped the match in the third set. Setter Kim Fajardo’s flashy 1-2 plays highlighted a 15-4 closing flurry for the Cargo Movers that sealed the win.
F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus lauded his team’s preparedness in a conference that uses the play-all rule.
“‘Yung second set medyo sugal ‘yun eh kasi disadvantage ‘yun para sa mga complete ‘yung lineup. Kasi kung hindi complete yung lineup mo, may chance pa makakuha sa starters mo,” said De Jesus.
“Siguro advantage ‘to ng ‘di complete ‘yung lineup. Kung complete yung lineup mo wala kang choice kundi gamitin yung second six mo. So yung ginamit ko kanina, although yung Foton may ginamit na dalawa sa first six, so laking advantage para sa kanila. Ginawa lang namin kinapitan namin yung second set hanggang 16 so nakapagpalit na ako ng tao,” the decorated mentor furthered.
Kianna Dy led a balanced F2 scoring effort with 10 points. Fajardo finished with 18 excellents sets and five markers.
Jaja Santiago topped the Tornadoes with 12 points while Bea De Leon debuted in the PSL with eight markers.
The Cargo Movers will take a break from the PSL to compete in a one-week Thailand tournament. Foton (0-1) face the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers (1-0) on Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Dy 10, Galang 9, Baron 8, Cruz-Behag 8, Fajardo 5, Maraño 3, Morente 3, Ogunsanya 3, Tiamzon 3, Cheng 2, Ipac 1, Cobb 0, Macandili (L)
Foton (0) – Santiago 12, De Leon 8, Santiago-Manabat 7, Aganon 6, Adorador 3, Ortiz 2, Viray N. 2, Rosario 1, Sy 0, Reyes (L), Viray J. (L)
