Despite inconsistent play, the veteran F2 Logistics Cargo Movers handled the vigorous newcomers of the New San Jose Builders for their third Philippine Superliga Invitationals victory 25-18, 23-25, 25-17, 25-23 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
In their first meeting, F2 had easily dismantled the error-prone New San Jose for a quick straight-sets win. The Builders, who fielded the varsity team of the University of Perpetual Help – System Dalta, came prepared for their second meeting.
No longer blowing routine plays, New San Jose shocked the seemingly-unprepared F2 defense. They even managed to win a set, the tightly-contested second frame, for their first set win of the season.
But F2’s veteran play proved too much, as they quickly rebounded in the third set convincingly. Ahead 16-11 in the final frame, F2 needed to muster a strong finish as San Jose mounted a comeback. The match nearly extended to a deuce, but late scores from Lilet Mabbayad and Aby Maraño gave the match to F2.
“Siguro kulang pa talaga kami sa chemistry. Kapag sa ensayo naman maganda ang lalaruin namain, pero pagdating sa court, parang may pumipigil sa amin. Kailangan ko pa pag-aralan ‘yun,” said F2 head coach Mayi Prochina who also lauded the improved play of their opponents.
Lilet Mabbayad led the Cargo Movers, who had four spikers in double-digits, with 16 points. Former La Salle Lady Spikers Aby Maraño and Cha Cruz added 15 and 12 markers respectively.
Winger Jamela Suyat towed the Builders with 17 points, while fellow wing hitter Maribeth Lara and towering middle hitter Lourdes Clemente had 11 markers each.
The Cargo Movers improved to a 3-1 record, with matches against the Petron Tri Active Spikers (1-0) and Cignal HD Spikers (0-1) left in their schedule. San Jose dropped to the bottom of the standings at 0-4, officially eliminated from advancing to the next phase of the tournament.
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Mabbayad 16, Maraño 15, Gendrauli 13, Cruz 12, Musa 7, Veronas 2, Sabete 2, Gustillo 1, Soriano 0, Pacinio (L), Cortel (L)
New San Jose (1) – Suyat 17, Clemente 11, Lara 11, Imbo 8, Bravo 3, Cabriana 3, Yumul 1, Rosal 1, Gual 0, Medalla 0, Umandal 0, Condada (L), Gayo (L)
