After a rough first two matches, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers found their first win, spoiling the Cignal HD Spikers’ debut in the 2016 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix, 21-25, 25-11, 24-26, 25-18, 15-11, Thursday evening at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.
Hayley Spelman scored a conference-high 30 points, while Ara Galang and Mika Reyes each had nine markers.
Both teams traded blows in the opening set, but the Cargo Movers surrendered errors in key moments in the set that allowed Cignal to maintain a four-point cushion and seal the early lead. The second set saw a major crash from the HD Spikers, who struggled to field a decent first touch. F2 Logistics built a 20-9 lead and never looked back.
The third set had neither squad lead by more than two points, with F2 coming back from two set points to tie at 24-all thanks to aces from Ara Galang. Cignal then ended the set, pulling an F2 attack error then getting an ace from Stephanie Marcado to take a 2-1 lead.
The Cargo Movers, however, found their groove late on. The All-Filipino Conference champs broke away from a 12-all tie in the fourth frame and took a 19-14 advantage to force a decider. F2 again came alive in the fifth set, scoring three straight points to erect an 11-7 lead. Cignal tried to rally, but the Cargo Movers had the match in hand through solid plays off side-outs.
What ultimately won it for F2 Logistics was their solid reception down the stretch.
“Malaking bagay talaga na nakakuha kami ng reception at tumibay ‘yung depensa namin noong dulo. Wala kaming breakpoint noong mga unang set pero buti na lang nakakuha kami ng mas maraming chances noong dulo,” said F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus.
Cignal opposite hitter Laura Schaudt had 15 markers, while Lynda Morales tallied 14 points.
F2 Logistics (1-2) look to build on their momentum when they face Generika (0-3), while Cignal (0-1) takes on Petron (3-0) on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Spelman 30, Galang 9, Reyes 9, Maraño 8, Kemper 8, Cruz Ch. 5, Fajardo 4, Dy 1, Cheng 0, Macandili (L), Cruz Ci. (L)
Cignal (2) – Schaudt 15, Morales 14, Mercado 9, Paat 6, Marciano 5, Bernal 4, Santos 2, Delos Santos 1, Patiliano 0, Vivas 0, Dionela (L)
