F2 Logistics stayed undefeated in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference after two brilliant clutch challenges, taking down Choco Mucho in a thriller, 21-25, 25-17, 17-25, 25-21, 18-16, in front of 7,067 fans inside the Philsports Arena on Tuesday night.
Sisi Rondina bombed three straight points to push the Flying Titans ahead in the deciding frame, 13-10. Then Kianna Dy and Bea De Leon exchanged points that put Choco Mucho at match point, 14-11.
Jolina Dela Cruz came through in the ensuing play for the Cargo Movers with an off-the-block kill. Following that, Shola Alvarez made an ace to inch within one, 14-13.
Dy’s crosscourt kill in the next play sailed out but then came F2 Logistics’ first clutch video challenge. Their net touch challenge was deemed successful as one of the elbows from a Flying Titan clearly grazed the net to force a deuce, 14-all.
De Leon then hammered a quick hit for another Choco Mucho match point then came the Cargo Movers’ second challenge.
Dela Cruz’s attack went long but was challenged for a block touch, which was deemed successful anew for a 15-all tally.
Rondina then scored off a pipe attack but that was the last Flying Titan point as Mars Alba, Dela Cruz, and Ivy Lacsina strung together three straight points for the win in two hours and 37 minutes.
“This win is very important for us kasi syempre Choco Mucho was also one of the top seeds last time. We have to learn from this also and we will keep on going, we can’t stop because it’s not yet done,” said F2 Logistics head coach Regine Diego.
The Cargo Movers stood alone atop Pool B at 3-0 while forcing a three-way logjam for second with the Flying Titans, Petro Gazz, and Cignal – all at 2-1.
Dy led F2 Logistics with 24 points, Aby Maraño netted 14, while Dela Cruz and Majoy Baron had 11 apiece.
“We’re thankful for the coaches kasi kung hindi sila nag challenge diba? It was really a team effort,” said Dy.
Rondina erupted for a game-high 28 points on 27 spikes. She also added 16 digs and 15 excellent receptions.
Des Cheng left the game late in the fourth set due to heat exhaustion and was stretchered off to a “cooler” room before being transported to a hospital. She finished with 13 points.
Both squads will next meet the Angels.
F2 Logistics will be back on Thursday, while Choco Mucho will play on Saturday.
