F2, Petron on top; Daquis, Gonzaga make PH team

COMING off a week-long break, F2 Logistics only needed 68 minutes to demolish Generika, 25-12, 25-15, 25-18, in the 2016 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference women’s volleyball tournament Thursday at Cuneta Astrodome.

With Aby Maraño and rookie Ara Galang firing at will, the Cargo Movers were on attack mode from the get-go and never gave the Lifesavers a chance to mount a serious fightback.

Kim Fajardo was also instrumental with 25 excellent sets while Mika Reyes and team captain Cha Cruz, playing despite an injured shoulder, had several brilliant moments for the unbeaten Cargo Movers’ third victory.

“I think we’re doing great,” said F2 Logistics head coach Ramil de Jesus. “We just need to tweak some minor details, but the team is already getting there.”

Maraño and Galang had 11 points in a perfect team-up with Reyes and Cruz, who contributed eight points each. Kim Dy added seven for the Cargo Movers.
RC Cola-Army later gained a share of the lead following a 25-23, 25-19, 25-14 conquest of Standard Insurance-Navy.
Jovelyn Gonzaga delivered eight kills, two blocks and three aces to finish with 13 points while Honey Royse Tubino and Jessey de Leon had nine points apiece for the Lady Troopers.

Open hitters Wensh Tiu and Shaya Adorador gave the Lifesavers a glimmer of hope when Generika tied the match at 11 in the first set.

It proved to Generika’s last hurrah as Galang, Maraño and Reyes led F2 Logistics’ well-balanced and fluid offensive assault throughout.

Tiu, who played for La Salle in the UAAP, had seven points for the Lifesavers, who are just half a game ahead of winless Amy’s and Cignal at 1-3.

Meanwhile, Gonzaga and fellow Army stalwart Rachel Anne Daquis are officially part of the PSL team that will see action in the FIVB World Club Women’s championship in Manila on Oct. 18 to 23.

PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara announced the inclusion of Daquis and Gonzaga following their impressive performance in last week’s tryouts.

Five more local players from the Superliga will be named after Daquis and Gonzaga earned their “golden ticket” to the worlds. They will be reinforced by seven other foreign players.

Seven of the world’s best club teams from Brazil, Japan, Turkey, Switzerland and Thailand will compete in the world championships.

“Rachel and Jovelyn are two of the country’s best players,” said Suzara, chair of the Asian Volleyball Confederation marketing and development committee.