Fresh from a fruitful, two-week Thailand excursion, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers sullied the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers’ then-unblemished record, 25-20, 25-16, 25-20, in Pool A of the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Cup at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Cargo Movers’ starters made quick work of the Lifesavers in the first set, zooming to a 16-10 lead and never looking back. F2 Logistics then pounced on Generika’s misfortunes in the second set. Star libero Kath Arado sprained her right ankle with F2 Logistics at a 17-14 advantage. Arado’s absence was enough to propel the Cargo Movers to an insurmountable 22-16 advantage.
F2 Logistics closed the match out strong, slapping the Lifesavers with a 20-16 gap and staving off any late rallies to seal the win.
Head coach Ramil De Jesus relished the experience they gained in the Sisaket Women’s Volleyball Championship. Although the travel and everyday schedule affected their conditioning, De Jesus emphasized the importance of competing against national-team caliber opponents.
“Bihira ka lang naman magkakaroon ng chance na makalaban ‘yung national team ng Thailand, ng Australia. Marami kaming natutunan doon lalo na sa paglaro nang fast ball, pati sa mga galaw nila,” said the two-time PSL champion tactician.
“Kahit medyo napagod kami sa travel, saka ‘di kami sanay na araw-araw ‘yung laro, ‘di mo naman matatawaran ‘yung experience na mabibigay nang paglalaro sa ibang bansa,” he added.
Ara Galang led a balanced F2 Logistics offense with nine points to go with 10 excellent receptions in 19 attempts. Cha Cruz-Behag and Majoy Baron added seven points, apiece.
Winger Patty Orendain topped the Lifesavers with nine markers while Angeli Araneta and Ria Meneses each pitched in seven points.
The Cargo Movers (2-0) take on the University of the Philippines-United Auctioneers Inc. (0-1) on June 12 at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The Lifesavers (2-1) face a must-win situation to stay in contention for an outright semis berth when they face the Petron Blaze Spikers (1-0) also on July 12.
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Galang 9, Baron 7, Cruz-Behag 7, Cheng 5, Maraño 5, Morente 5, Dy 4, Ogunsanya 4, Tiamzon 3, Cobb 1, Fajardo 1, Ipac 1, Gallenero (L), Macandili (L)
Generika-Ayala (0) – Orendain 9, Araneta 7, Meneses 7, Pineda 6, Ceballos 4, Lopez 4, Espinosa 3, Cerveza 0, Hingpit 0, Lavitoria 0, Llagoso 0, Arado (L), General (L)
