The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers scored a wire-to-wire win over the ailing Cignal HD Spikers, 25-22, 25-13, 25-10, to bring their undefeated streak up to six in the 2017 Chooks-to-Go Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The HD Spikers had no anwers for F2 Logitics’ premium blend of top local talent and quality imports. Cignal’s offense stalled in the first set, allowing the Cargo Movers to build a 20-15 cushion. Crisp transition plays gave Cignal a glimmer of hope, trimming the deficit down to two, 24-22. But F2 Logistics’ Venezuelan import Maria Jose Perez was too much for Cignal to handle, as she swung over two blockers to net the set’s final point.
The second set was where things turned ugly for Cignal. Struggling to receive, the HD Spikers allowed F2 to blow the frame wide open and grab an 18-7 lead. To add to their misery, the HD Spikers lost ace opposite hitter Jovelyn Gonzaga later in the set. The National Team standout landed awkwardly on her right knee after trying to rebound her own blocked hit with Cignal down 13-21.
It was all downhill from there as the HD Spikers quickly fumbled away the third set. The Cargo Movers did not let their extend the match, taking a 20-8 lead and never looking back.
Gonzaga was rushed to the Cardinal Santos Medical Facility. There is still no official update from the Cignal HD camp. Gonzaga had five points before being stretchered out of the Arena.
Perez and American winger Kennedy Bryan each provided 17 points to fuel the Cargo Movers. F2 Logistics also surrendered a season-low 12 errors.
“So nakita lang namin na lamang ‘yung imports namin kung locals lang ‘yung blockers nila (Cignal) sa wings. Nagdeliver talaga ‘yung mga import namin sa nakita naming advantage nila,” said F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus.
Cignal’s pair of import middle blockers Beth Carey and Alexis Matthews each tallied seven points to lead the HD Spikers.
The Cargo Movers stake their undefeated record on Saturday when they take on fellow powerhouse Foton Tornadoes (5-1) at the Batangas City Sports Center. Cignal (2-4) take on the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtoers (1-5) on Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Bryan 17, Perez 17, Fajardo 9, Baron 4, Dy 4, Maraño 4, Cruz 1, Gallanero 0, Santos 0, Tiamzon 0, Macandili (L)
Cignal (0) – Carey 7, Matthews 7, Daquis 6, Gonzaga 5, Saet 4, Tubino 3, Paat 2, Mercado 1, Macatuno 0, Marciano 0, Vivas 0, Dionela (L)
