In their second match on the world stage, PSL-F2 Logistics Manila continued to show their mettle but still succumbed to European champions Pomi Casalmaggiore, 19-25, 15-25, 21-25 in the 2016 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With the win, Pomi Casalmaggiore (2-1) qualified for the semifinal.
The hosts fell behind early as Pomi pounded them at the net and built a 14-4 advantage. The Manila team, led by Jaja Santiago, mounted a comeback that gave the Italians the biggest scare of the match. Santiago scored five times in a run that sliced Pomi’s lead down to three, 18-21. But Casalmaggiore’s Tirozzi and Bosetti put the final nails in the first frame, allowing the PSL all-stars only one more point.
The National University standout, Santiago, continued her great play into the second frame but the rest of F2 Logistics-PSL could not match her effort. The Italian side grabbed a 20-12 lead and waltzed into the third frame.
The PSL selection then caught Pomi napping in the third set. With Casalmaggiore giving up errors and free balls, F2 Logistics surged to a 18-13 lead. Skipper Tirozzi got a kill to end their drought, and along with timely serves, Pomi rallied back and cut the PSL all-stars’ lead down to one, 18-19. Bosetti later unleashed back-to-back kills, before Tirozzi added a smash of her own to complete their comeback, 23-21. Gibbemeyer then slapped a quick hit to finish the match.
“I’m happy that we played well. After our first match, we practiced hard on our middle plays and transitions so we can develop a connection,” said Santiago, who tallied 11 points after recording just three in their first match.
“We’ve seen that we can take the lead. It’s a matter of playing well enough for us to take a set. I’m sure we can get there in this tournament,” declared PSL-F2 Logistics head coach Moro Branislav.
Imports Stephanie Niemer and Lindsay Stalzer pitched in nine points for the hosts.
Luia Bosetti led the Italians with 16 markers, while Valentina Tirozzi added 14.
PSL-F2 Logistics (0-2) will face their biggest opponents yet in Eczasibasi VitrA (2-0) tomorrow at 7:00 pm.
The Scores
Pomi Casalmaggiore (3) – Bosetti 16, Tirozzi 14, Fabris 9, Stevanovic 9, Gibbemeyer 4, Turlea 2, Peric 1, Siressi (L)
PSL-F2 Logistics (0) – Santiago 11, Niemer 9, Stalzer 9, Morales 3, Ngukhalova 3, Fajardo 2, Daquis 1, Gonzaga 1, Reyes 0, Boonlert 0, Reyes (L), Fukuda (L)
