F2, Petron duel for Finals slot

CAN F2 Logistics’ youth and energy carry it to the finals, or Petron’s low-key but highly effective crew spoil it all?

Playing in a style that pleases the fans, the Cargo Movers will gun for the second spot in the Philippine Superliga All Filipino Conference championship series today at FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

But the Tri Activ Spikers are hoping to also barge into the finals and remind everyone that only last year they swept their way to the crown.

Whoever wins will battle Foton in a best-of-three title series starting Thursday.

But first things first, Petron has never won against F2 Logistics this conference. In fact, the Cargo Movers has only lost once so far, to the Tornadoes.

Cignal and Standard Insurance-Navy open the day’s hostilities when the clash at 2:30 p.m., with the winner making it to the classification battle for fifth and sixth place against Generika.

“Advancing to the finals will only happen if we will beat Petron on Saturday,” said F2 coach Ramil de Jesus. “Petron is also a young and dangerous team. We have to minimize our errors and improve our defense if we want to stand a chance.”

He was, of course, making an understatement as his wards have superiority man-for-man with Ara Galang, Kim Fajardo, Cha Cruz, Aby Marano and Mika Reyes in the fold.

The Tri Activ Spikers, who were a veritable “all-star” team last year, are now reduced to a mix of untested newbies like Bernadeth Pons, Frances Molina, Remy Palma and Mina Aganon, and veterans including Aiza Maizo-Pontillas.

“I hope our defense will carry us through,” said Pascua. “They may have solid attacks, but we have to make sure that our blocking and floor defense will be sharper in the semis.”