Kalei Mau proves to be difference as F2 Logistics deals Petron first loss

F2 Logistics’ prized acquisition Kalei Mau was unstoppable for the Cargo Movers, powering her team to a 25-21, 17-25, 27-25, 25-19 victory over arch-rivals Petron Blaze Spikers, Thursday evening at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Mau erupted for 23 points in the game built on 21 attacks and two blocks to go along with 19 digs.

“Malaking bagay yung pagdating sa amin ni Kalei. Nakadepensa kami, mayroong go-to-guy yung team,” said decorated head coach Ramil de Jesus as his squad went to 4-0 while dropping Petron to 2-1.

Petron though was short-handed in the contest as Sisi Rondina (out of the country) and Denden Lazaro (right foot injury) missed the game.

“Hindi naman kompleto yung team nila baka nagexperiment si coach Shaq [Delos Santos] kasi wala si Rondina din and hindi mamaximize yung mga tao niya kasi alam naman natin yung pagkawala ni Rondina malaking bagay,” De Jesus added.

Still, this was Petron’s first elimination round loss in two conferences.

Ara Galang also continued her heater run, finishing with 18 markers and 10 receptions.

Dawn Macandili guided the squad on the defensive end with 26 digs and 13 receptions.

Bernadeth Pons paced the Blaze Spikers with 18 points and 27 digs while Ces Molina chipped in 16 points.

Both teams will next face the Cignal HD Spikers with Petron having first crack at them on Saturday at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex. F2 Logistics will face them on Tuesday, July 2 at Cadiz City Arena.