Having locked up the second seed before the match, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers built momentum heading into the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix quarterfinals after sweeping the Cignal HD Spikers, 25-19, 25-20, 26-24, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Cargo Movers improved their record to 11-3. They will face the Foton Tornadoes in the quarterfinals on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. F2 Logistics will hold a twice-to-beat advantage.
Three-time PSL champion coach Ramil De Jesus emphasized the importance of winning against Cignal, despite the outcome having no bearing on their quarterfinal seeding.
“Mahirap kasi ‘yung manggagaling ka sa talo going into quarterfinals. Sabi ko sa kanila na mas maganda kung kumuha tayo ng kumpiyansa, para lahat ng ginagawa namin sa training mailabas natin sa game,” said De Jesus
The HD Spikers had a chance to extend the match to a fourth set, leading 24-23 in the third frame following hits from Ana Artemeva. But MJ Perez pulled the Cargo Movers back to the lead with consecutive kills. Ara Galang then capped the match with an ace.
Galang, Perez, and Lindsay Stalzer each provided 13 markers.
Artemeva tallied a game-high 19 markers, while Cignal’s other import Erica Wilson managed 13 markers.
The fourth-seeded HD Spikers will also have a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals against United Volleyball Club on Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. UVC, however, defeated Cignal HD in both their elimination round outings.
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Galang 13, Perez 13, Stalzer 13, Baron 7, Maraño 6, Cabanos 0, Morente 0, Macandili (L)
Cignal HD (0) – Artemeva 19, Wilson 13, Daquis 12, Paat 4, Cardiente 1, Salamagos 1, Masangkay 0, Musa 0, Navarro 0, Vivas 0, Dionela (L)
