Coming off uncharacteristic back-to-back losses, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers snapped out of their funk, dealing the Cignal HD Spikers a straight-set defeat,25-18, 25-14, 25-22, at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center, Tuesday night.
“‘Yung trust talaga ni Coach [Ramil De Jesus] sa amin, alam niya kasi na babawi kami from all the losses that we had. We prepared talaga for this game and yun, lumabas naman yung training namin,” said F2 Logistic stalwart Majoy Baron, who supplied 10 attacks, two blocks and two aces for 14 points.
Having lost both of their matches last week — to Petron and PLDT, respectively — the second-seeded Cargo Movers made sure to close out their preliminary round on a high note, granting them a 12-2 win-loss record.
The HD Spikers played with renewed vigor in the third set after absorbing a beatdown in the previous one. They controlled the tempo and held on a three-point cushion, 18-15, until a string of errors spelled disaster, allowing the Cargo Movers to tie a knot at 19.
After trading crucial plays, the match saw another deadlock at 22-all. But from that point onward, Ara Galang carried the cudgels and delivered consecutive hits to buoy her team at match point. Kim Dy then rejected Jovelyn Gonzaga that sealed the fate of Cignal.
Kalei Mau top-scored with 20 points — built on 16 attacks, two blocks and two aces — laced with six excellent receptions.
Galang chipped 10 markers. Kim Fajardo tossed 18 excellent sets on top of three points and 12 excellent digs while defensive specialist Dawn Macandili collected 21 excellent digs.
On the other hand, Cignal fell to solo fifth spot with a 7-7 card.
The lone HD Spiker who graced twin-digit territory was Rachel Daquis. The former Lady Tamaraw had 14 points — from 12 attacks and two rejections — to go along with five excellent receptions in a losing cause.
Gonzaga managed nine markers, all coming from attacks. Alohi Robins-Hardy had a double-double of 11 excellent sets and 16 excellent digs on top of three markers. Jheck Dionela patrolled on defense with 16 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
The Cargo Movers set their sights on a well-rested Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors squad. Meanwhile, the HD Spikers will try to topple fourth-seed Generika-Ayala Lifesavers. Both knockout quarterfinal matches will be played on Saturday.
