With starting setter Kim Fajardo out for the next two weeks, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers still outclassed the Foton Blue Energy Tornadoes, 25-20, 25-20, 26-24, to stay unbeaten in the stays 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
According to F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus, Fajardo suffered a dislocated finger during their four-set win over United Volleyball Club.
“Late ko na na-notice na may problema si Kim. Hindi kami nakapag-training na si Alex (Cabanos) ang ginagamit namin,” said De Jesus as his side will have to possibly adjust to backup setter Alex Cabanos for the next two weeks.
The Cargo Movers did well during their first outing sans the perennial National Team playmaker. The Cargo Movers quickly built a 13-6 wall in the first set, enough of a cushion for import Lindsay Stalzer to finish off the Tornadoes.
Inconsistency struck the Cargo Movers in the second set as Foton erased their five-point lead twice. A string of Foton defensive miscues opened the door for Becky Perry to power the Cargo Movers to a 21-15 lead, which Foton could not hurdle.
Foton’s foreign reinforcement Courtney Felinski was unrelenting in the third set, firing in kills that kept the Tornadoes within range of F2 Logistics. She swooped in from the left pin and drove home a cross-court kill that tied the set at 24. F2 Logistics found their finishers in MVPs Ara Galang and Stalzer, as the pair conspired to bag the match’s last points.
De Jesus, despite the win, foresees a tough stretch for his squad, who were already without starters Cha Cruz and Kianna Dy.
“Sobrang bigat para sa team namin talaga to kasi halos yung core ng team namin wala. At least ‘yung mga import naman nagstep up, every game nagstep like si Becky so nakakaadjust sa galaw ng team so ‘yun ‘yung magandang outcome ng mga imports namin,” De Jesus added.
Stalzer finished with 18 points while Perry added 14 from seven attacks, four blocks, and three aces.
Felinski led Foton with 16 points off 12 attacks and four aces Selime Ilyasoglu added 14.
F2 Logistics (4-0) takes on Generika-Ayala (0-4) on Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre while Foton (1-3) takes on Cignal HD (3-1) on Saturday at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center.
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Stalzer 18, Perry 14, Galang 7, Cabanos 6, Baron 5, Maraño 5, Macandili (L)
Foton (0) – Felinski 16, Ilyasoglu 14, Ortiz 5, Kasilag 3, Rosario 3, Adorador 2, Sandoval 2, Perez 1, Aganon 0, Reyes (L)
