F2 Logistics grabbed the first semifinal seat in Pool B with a sweep of Foton, 25-18, 25-18, 25-14 in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference, on Tuesday afternoon at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Ivy Lacsina led the Cargo Movers with 16 points on 11 attacks, three aces, and four blocks while Majoy Baron continued her consistent performance with 12 points built on nine attacks, two service aces, and one block to help F2 Logistics improve their card to 4-1.
“Grateful kami na nakabalik kami sa panalo, but we can’t be relaxed and we can’t be overconfident pa rin kasi pagpasok sa semis, it’s going to be hard battles again. This is a good preparation for the semis,” said Cargo Movers head coach Regine Diego.
Myla Pablo made sure to keep the Tornadoes at bay with three consecutive points late in the third set, turning a 16-9 lead to a 10-point, 19-9 spread.
Aby Maraño delivered the game-winning quick needed for F2 Logistics to complete its bounce back performance after coming off a five-set loss to Petro Gazz last Thursday.
After taking the first frame, the Cargo Movers took a slim 19-17 lead in the second set before Baron scored back-to-back quick attacks to power a 6-1 finishing kick that gave their side a 2-0 set advantage.
With the win, F2 Logistics eliminated Petro Gazz from semifinal contention, leaving Cignal and Choco Mucho to fight for the last Pool B slot later at 4:00 p.m.
F2 Logistics’ defensive prowess was on full display in the match, tallying 26 excellent digs and 23 excellent receptions in the 1-hour, 26-minute match to prevent Foton’s players from reaching double-digits in scoring.
Jas Nabor scored a team-high nine points while Shaya Adorador and Mary Rhose Dapol, who combined for a total of 52 points in their five-set win over Farm Fresh, were held to just six and three points, respectively, as the Tornadoes capped their preliminary run with a 1-4 slate.
F2 will move on to the six-team semifinals which features two foreign teams in Japan’s Kurashiki Ablaze and Kinh Bắc–Bắc Ninh of Vietnam, while Foton will face Gerflor in the classification phase for 11th place. (Ernest Martin Tuazon)
