For a bunch of first-timers on the world stage, the F2 Logistics-PSL Manila locals were not fazed.
Facing a squad with Olympic gold medalists and a legendary Brazilan coach, F2 Logistics made Rexona-Sesc Rio sweat in each set. But, the Brazilians prevailed in three pulsating sets 25-15, 25-13, 25-20 in the FIVB World Club Championships at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
F2 Logistics-PSL Manila is the first Philippine club to participate in the WCWC. 2016 PSL Best Setter Kim Fajardo made sure to make the most of the moment, scoring the match’s first point off a kill. The applause grew louder when a Rexona attack sailed out and gave the PSL all-stars a 2-0 lead. The following points, however, were emphatically taken by the Brazillians through floor-rattling blocks. Three consecutive blocks from Carol Da Silva pulled Rexona to an 8-3 permanent cushion. The Brazilian’s blocks affected F2 Logistics’ attacks, coaxing numerous errors from the local contingent that spelled their doom.
Rexona again stomped into the second frame, taking a 14-5 lead through splendid net control. Needing a spark, Manila slotted in team captain Rachel Daquis who ignited another crowd frenzy with back-to-back hits and forced a Rexona timeout. But the Brazil side barred any other comeback attempt from the locals to take the set.
PSL Manila then gave the local fans hope in the third frame. Jaja Santiago, Mika Reyes, and Fajardo buoyed F2 Logistics to a 14-7 lead highlighted by a Santigo block on Carol. But the upset dreams were quickly dashed as the Brazilians recuperated and allowed the Pinays just six more points for the rest of match.
“We were incredibly happy with how the match turned out even if we ended up losing. Just the experience they gained from this match was already so valuable for local volleyball moving forward,” said Daquis.
“I liked the fighting spirit of the Philippines,” echoed Rexona head coach Bernardo Rezende. “In high-level tournaments like this, you need that type of fighting spirit from your players if you wang to be successful.”
American import Stephanie Niemer led PSL with 13 points while Ukranian opposite Yevegniya Nyukhalova added eight.
Carol Da Silva broke a record set earlier in the day by Vakifbank’s Zhu Ting, recording 10 blocks kills for 13 points. Anne Bujus also had 13 markers.
PSL Manila (0-1) will look to bounce back on Thursday, 7:00 pm against Italian club Pomi Casalmaggiore (0-1).
The Scores
Rexona-Sesc (3) – Bujis 13, Da Silva C. 13, Guimaraes 11, Marinho 10, Juciely 6, Ratzje 3, Da Silva M. 2, Pereira 1, Adao 0, Oliveria (L)
PSL-F2 Logistics (0) – Niemer 13, Nyukhalova 8, Stalzer 6, Fajardo 3, Santiago 3, Daquis 2, Gonzaga 2, Morales 2, Reyes 2, Molina 0, Reyes (L), Fukuda (L)
