After a shocking loss last Saturday, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers put the pieces together to solve the Foton Blue Energy Tornadoes, 25-22, 25-27, 25-21, and proceed to the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix semifinals at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
A tight first set wound down to the clutchm with Foton ahead 22-20 after a Courtney Felinski backrow kill. MJ Perez sparked an F2 Logistics rally, converting back-to-back smashes. Ara Galang then finished off the Cargo Movers’ closing 5-0 run with three straight aces.
From being down 20-16 in the second set, F2 Logistics sued for another comeback, capitalizing on Foton’s miscues to take a 23-21 lead. The Cargo Movers suffered from their own spell of errors, however, and opened the door for a long deuce. Felinski proved pivotal in the final stretch, scoring the set’s last two points off transition attempts.
The third set had the makings of another close affair until F2 Logistics mustered a 6-1 run and gained a 19-12 lead. Foton got within two, 23-21, after Jaja Santiago served three straight aces. Lindsay Stalzer stopped F2 Logistics’ bleeding with a couple of powerful smashes.
F2 Logistics took charge of the fourth set, grabbing an 18-13 advantage through solid serving. The Cargo Movers finished the match with a flurry of serves from setter Alex Cabanos.
Foton played without Spanish import Milagros Collar, who strained her right hamstring.
F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus admitted that Foton not having Collar did play to his team’s advantage.
“Kung nandoon siguro siya, baka iba ‘yung resulta,” said De Jesus. “Ang laki kasi ng Foton sa bawat rotation, so mahirap talaga sa amin. Ang maganda kasi sa mga players ko, ‘pag natatalo, mas nakaka-fcous pa sila.”
Reigning MVP Stalzer topped all scorers with 26 points while Perez added 21.
Felinski led Fotom with 20 points. Sisters Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat each provided 14 markers.
F2 Logistics take on the winner of the Generika Ayala-PLDT match on Saturday in the best-of-three semis.
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Stalzer 26, Perez 21, Galang 12, Maraño 6, Baron 5, Cabanos 3, Imbo 0, Macandili (L)
Foton (1) – Felinski 20, Manabat 14, Santiago 14, Aganon 8, Ortiz 5, Perez 4, Sy 1, Adorador 0, Sandoval 0, Reyes (L)
