Continuing the trend of the past two seasons, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers got back at rivals Petron Blaze Spikers, completing a sweep of the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Cup Finals. 25-18, 23-25, 25-23, 25-18, at the Ynares Sports Arena.
After a back-and-forth start to the match, F2 Logistics pulled away with a 7-2 spurt sparked by Cha Cruz-Behad that led to a 17-11 lead. Coming off the F2 Logistics bench, Michelle Morente then helped cap the opening set, scoring three of the Cargo Movers’ last five points.
The Cargo Movers walloped Petron to start the following set, uncorking an 18-9 run anchored on Des Cheng hits and pinpoint serving. Petron slowly mounted a comeback, dislodging the Cargo Movers’ reception. Trailing 18-21, the Blaze Spikers unleashed Sisi Rondina. The UST Tigress powered in six of Petron’s next seven points, including a solo 5-1 run to give her team the set.
F2 again looked to comfortably take a set, leading the third frame 23-17. The steady offense that gave the Cargo Movers the cushion, however, evaporated in the late game. Petron again spurted, pulling clutch block kills from Ces Molina and attacks from Rondina. Sitting at a diminished 24-22 gap, F2 Logistics toggled their lineup twice before finding the set-clinching, Aby Maraño running hit.
Sniffing the title, the Cargo Movers hustled for transition chances, eventually settling on a 14-11 lead. F2 Logistics then grew their lead with the help of a few lucky breaks. The Cargo Movers sprinted to the finish line, capping their season with a mix of splendid plays and errant passes scoring points.
“Sobrang happy kami kasi malakas talaga na kalaban ‘yung Petron. Hindi kami binigyan nang libreng puntos buong Finals,” said F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus. “Ginusto talaga siguro ng mga players ko today. Hindi nila hinayaan na tumagal pa ‘yung laro o ‘yung Finals.”
The Cargo Movers capture their third PSL title — their first Invitational Cup thropy.
Galang and Maraño finished with 15 points apiece while Cruz-Behag and Majoy Baron added 10 markers each.
Rondina tallied 20 points while Bernadeth Pons added 13.
F2 Logistics have now traded turns taking the last four PSL Finals.
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Galang 15, Maraño 15, Baron 10, Cruz-Behag 10, Cheng 5, Morente 5, Dy 4, Tiamzon 4, Fajardo 3, Ogunsanya 1, Cobb 0, Gallenero (L), Macandili (L).
Petron (1) – Rondina 20, Pons 13, Molina 11, Reyes 5, Agudo 3, Dimaculangan 3, Maizo-Pontillas 3, Palma 3, Cortez 2, Legacion 0, Tunay 0, Duremdes (L), Gaiser (L)
