With their unbeaten streak on the line, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers overcame the upset-conscious Generika-Ayala Lifesavers in a five-set 25-19, 25-27, 25-22, 18-25, 15-13 nail-biter, Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Knotted at 11 in the decisive set, Angeli Araneta coughed up an attack error and gave the Cargo Movers a slim advantage. Wanting to atone for her mishap, Araneta then powered a smash over the outstretched arms of F2 Logistics’ blockers. Unfortunately, she landed awkwardly and appeared to hurt her left knee.
Araneta, who poured in 11 points and 27 excellent digs, had to be carried off the court.
Having lost their captain, the Lifesavers gassed out. They allowed the Cargo Movers to seize command, as Kianna Dy and Aby Maraño put up the finishing blows.
Kalei Mau topped the charts with a triple-double performance of 25 points, with all but one from attacks. She also had 23 excellent digs and 16 excellent reception.
The Cargo Movers earned their tenth straight win in as many games.
Ara Galang had 16 points to backstop her Fil-Hawaiian teammate. Majoy Baron, who finished with 14 points, marshaled the net as she collected a whopping nine blocks for F2 Logistics, who generated 17 points from stops.
Des Cheng added 10 points, while Maraño supplied nine markers. Dy made her presence felt on defense with half of her six points coming from blocks. Dawn Macandili patrolled the floor with 42 excellent digs on top of 12 excellent receptions.
Though the game ended in cardiac fashion, F2 Logistics could’ve slammed the door shut in the previous frame.
“Alam nila na first meeting namin is straight sets. Ngayon binigyan sila ng magandang laban ng Generika, which is dapat hindi umabot ng ganito kahaba yung game kung tamang desisyon,” F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus said. “Hindi naman mamimigay ng kumpiyansa yung kalaban niyo. Kayo mismo yung kukuha ng kumpiyansa.”
The Lifesavers’ backs were against the wall in the fourth set, but they shrugged off the pressure and continued with their steady play.
In a back-and-forth affair, Generika-Ayala created crucial separation after widening a slim two-point gap to six, 21-15. Though Mau and Galang tried to incite a comeback, the collective efforts of Fiola Ceballos, Ria Meneses, and Jamie Lavitoria forged a decider.
Despite the loss, the Lifesavers remain seated at the fourth spot with a 6-5 card.
Ceballos topped Generika-Ayala with 22 points laced with 27 excellent receptions. Patty Orendain contributed 16 points and 11 excellent reception,s while Ria Meneses managed 11 markers. Jamie Lavitoria dished out 26 excellent sets to go along with four points.
F2 Logistics look to keep their slate spotless when they square off against the win-hungry Marinerang Pilipina on Tuesday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo. On Thursday, Generika-Ayala try to regain their winning ways when they face the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors at the FilOil Arena.
