By: Ohmer Bautista
Kalei Mau did not allow PLDT Home Fibr to spoil her F2 Logistics debut, as the Cargo Movers escaped the Power Hitters in a tight three-set affair, 25-15, 27-25, 25-22, in the 2019 PSL All Filipino Conference, Tuesday evening at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Fil-Hawaiian Mau broke through a 25-all deadlock to set the stage for Ara Galang’s set-clincher in the second set. She also hammered in a game-high 17 points – 14 of which came from spikes – to go along 14 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.
“Not bad para sa unang game ng bago sa team. Mas marami pa sigurong adjustments na pwedeng gawin during practice,” F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus.
After a prolonged second set, the nip-and-tuck affair continued in the third. However, the Cargo Movers slithered through a 14-all knot and mounted a 22-18 lead. But Jerrili Malabanan, Jorelle Singh, and Gen Casugod sliced the Power Hitters’ deficit to knock within one, 21-22.
Majoy Baron, who had seven points spiked by three blocks, gave F2 a much-needed breathing room after roofing Singh. She then nailed the final blow a few sequences later.
“Hindi madaling kalaban yung PLDT,” De Jesus said. “Maganda yung service-reception tapos yung set play halos magkakakilala na lahat ng players, alam na alam nila yung galaw ng bawat isa. At least nakakaipon kami ng points bago makadikit yung PLDT.”
Michelle Cobb delivered 21 excellent sets for the Cargo Movers, while the mainstays of F2 Logistics also unleashed a balanced attack with Aby Maraño, Galang, and Kim Dy supplying nine markers each.
Galang and Maraño feasted in the service area as they netted four and three aces, respectively.
Gretchel Soltones and Gen Casugod anchored the PLDT offense. Soltones supplemented 14 points built on 12 spikes, a block, and an ace, on top of 10 excellent receptions. Casugod had 11 markers spiked by three rejections.
PLDT skipper Jerrili Malabanan added seven markers.
F2 Logistics will look to make it three in a row as they face Foton Tornadoes on June 22, Saturday. Meanwhile, PLDT will try to score their first win versus the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors on the same day. Both games will be played at the Imus Sports Center.
