The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers needed late surges to earn a straight-sets win in Game Two, and sweep the PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters in the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix Finals, 26-24, 26-24, 25-17, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
PLDT reached set point first in the opening set, 24-21, after a smash from Kendra Dahlke. Lindsay Stalzer then sparked a fiery rally, breaking off two straight spikes that propelled her squad to a 5-0 run. The equally-tight second set swung F2 Logistics’ away after PLDT’s Grace Lazard served short, giving the Cargo Movers a 25-24 lead. Aby Maraño then clinched the set win, pounding an over-passed ball in the following play.
The third set was tight until PLDT were derailed by a yellow and red card called on head coach Roger Gorayeb for excessive complaining. From a slim 13-12 lead, F2 Logistics then surged to a 19-13 advantage and never looked back.
F2 Logistics entered their third straight Grand Prix Finals. Still, head coach Ramil De Jesus admitted it was most difficult for this team to reach the Finals after injuries to starters Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, and Cha Cruz-Behag.
“Sa akin kasi ito ‘yung pinakamahirap na team paabutin sa Finals, considering na maraming wala. Big accomplishment na ‘to para sa team na ganito ‘yung lineup,” reflected De Jesus.
“‘Yung PLDT din talaganga nag-gel na. Kami nangangapa pa sa isa’t isa. Mabuti na lang na tinyaga talaga ng mga players ‘yung laro,” added the decorated tactician.
F2 Logistics was stingy, giving up just 11 errors. Lindsay Stalzer and MJ Perez led the Cargo Movers with 16 points each.
Lazard topped PLDT with 16 points, while Kendra Dahlke managed 14.
F2 Logistics face the Petron Blaze Spikers in the best-of-three Finals, which begins on Tuesday. The two squads meet in the Finals for the sixth time with Petron holding a 3-2 lead in the matchup.
The Power Hitters take on Cignal HD in the bronze medal match, also on Tuesday.
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Perez 16, Stalzer 16, Baron 8, Galang 8, Maraño 6, Cabanos 4, Macandili (L)
PLDT (0) – Lazard 16, Dahlke 14, Urdas 9, Soltones 7, Devanadera 4, Sta. Rita 3, Nabor 1, Alvarez 0, Guillema 0, Pantone (L)
