Showing tremendous in-game adjustment, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers kept their immaculate run through the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Cup with a four-set triumph over the suddenly-skidding Petron Tri-Activ Spikers, 25-15, 19-25, 25-19, 25-9, at the Batangas City Sports Complex.
Ara Galang led a balanced F2 attack with 12 points; Aby Maraño, Cha Cruz, Kim Dy, and Mika Reyes each managed nine points.
“Talagang maganda rin naman ‘yung pinakita ng Petron talagang siguro naka-adjust lang ng konti ‘yung team,” said F2 head coach Ramil De Jesus.
F2 waltzed to an easy first set win, as Petron gave them a 14-error boost leading to an insurmountable double-digit lead, 22-12.
Limiting their errors, Petron controlled the second set through their tough serving and dynamic attack. Hits from Aiza Pontillas and CJ Rosario placed the Tri-Activ Spikers ahead, 11-7, before a productive serving stint from F2’s Ara Galang tied the match at 11. After subbing in backup setter Kyle Negrito, Petron managed to slowly pull away, first regaining a three-point lead, 19-16. Cj Rosario and Maica Morada then completed several heads plays to help Petron take six of the set’s last three points.
Tied at a set apiece, both squads kept within a point of each other in the third set, until Petron regressed to their erring ways. A slew of Tri-Activ Spikers’ errors broke a 15-all tie and buried them in a 15-19 hole. F2 setter and Golden ticket holder Kim Fajardo then kept Petron at bay for the rest of the set, varying her sets and ensuring her squad a side-out every time they were receiving Petron’s serve.
The flood gates opened in the fourth set, as F2 turned a still-manageable 11-7 lead into a massive 22-7 advantage, thanks to splendid floor defense and quick transitions. Petron never recovered and succumbed their second loss.
“Tsaka mahaba pa ‘to sa tingin ko hindi lang kami isa o dalawang beses kami pa kami puwedeng magharap ng Petron,” De Jesus shared. “So marami pang adjustments na kailangan pang gawin.”
Aiza Pontillas and Ces Molina led Petron with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Galang 12, Maraño 9, Cruz 9, Reyes 9, Dy 9, Baron 6, Fajardo 6, Mercado 1, Macandili (L)
Petron (1) – Pontillas 11, Molina 10, Morada 6, Pons 6, Rosario 5, Palma 3, Nunag 1, Masangkay 0, Negrito 0, Zapanta 0, Pineda (L), Reyes (L)
