Ara Galang powers Mau-less F2 Logistics’ offense, subdues Foton

Even without main hitter Kalei Mau, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers subdued Shaya Adorador and the surging Foton Tornadoes Blue Energy, 25-23, 25-19, 25-23, in the 2019 PSL Invitationals, Tuesday at the Bacoor Strike Gym in Cavite.

“’Yung Foton din kasi galing sa panalo, so mataas din ang nilalaro [nila. Kaya] Kailangan lang namin sabayan. Sabi ko sa kanila, lamang naman tayo ng experience compared sa Foton,” said F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus.

Ara Galang was the sharp point of F2 Logistics’ spear. She poured in a team-high 14 points, piercing through the Tornadoes’ defense with 12 attacks and a pair of kill blocks.

The Cargo Movers rise to a 3-1 win-loss record in Pool D.

Des Cheng, Majoy Baron, and Kim Kianna Dy provided sturdy support for Galang. The reliable troika of F2 Logistics each contributed 11 markers. Cheng also flaunted her double-edged arsenal, firing all of her points from attacks and collecting 11 excellent digs.

Kim Fajardo generated the offense, dishing out 18 excellent sets for the Cargo Movers, who rained down 48 attacks. F2 Logistic defensive specialist Dawn Macandili manned the floor with 20 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.

Though the Cargo Movers fashioned a straight-set conquest of Foton, they had to thwart the Tornadoes down the stretch of the first and third frames.

“Medyo hirap pa kasi nangangapa pa kami doon, dahil matagal hindi nakapag-practice ‘yung ibang mga players namin,” bared De Jesus, who also did not have Mau at his disposal as continues recovering from her Achilles injury.

“So far, pinipilit naman nilang maka-adjust kaagad kasi especially doon sa setting iba na pagka-national team ka, iba na ‘yung dito laking adjustment ulit,” he continued on Aby Maraño, as well as ASEAN Grand Prix second leg Best Libero Macandili and Best Middle Blocker Baron.

With F2 Logistics sitting at match point in the third set, 24-21, Elaine Kasilag and Justine Dorog connived for back-to-back hits to give Foton a crucial lease on life, 23-24. Refusing to extend the match into a deuce and a potential fourth set, Maraño delivered the lethal blow in a frantic rally.

Adorador top-billed with 16 points anchored on 15 attacks that went down the drain, as the Tornadoes fell to 1-3.

Dorog tallied a double-double of 11 markers and 12 excellent receptions, while Kasilag managed nine points. CJ Rosario and Marian Buitre chimed in seven and six markers, respectively.

Gyzelle Sy tossed 13 excellent sets for the Tornadoes, who missed the services of EJ and Eya Laure. Foton libero Jen Reyes collected 18 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.

F2 Logistics next face the Generika Ayala Lifesavers next on Saturday, October 12, at the Caloocan Sports Complex. Meanwhile, Foton look to regain their winning ways against the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors on Thursday, October 10, at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center.