F2 Logistics. PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — F2 Logistics survived a tough test against a gritty and stubborn PLDT side as it avoided a meltdown, 25-22, 25-21, 14-25, 20-25, 16-14, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
Myla Pablo scored most of her 21-point debut as a Cargo Mover in the first two sets for a 2-0 lead. But they lost steam as the High Speed Hitters dominated the third and fourth sets with Jovie Prado, Mika Reyes, and Dell Palomata propelling their team to force a decider.
Mean Mendrez also stepped up for PLDT scoring three of her eight points in the fifth set with the High Speed Hitters taking the match-point after Aby Marano’s crucial net touch, 14-13.
However, Mendez’s body touched the net after a spike attempt allowing the Cargo Movers to force a deuce, followed by Marano’s big block on Reyes to take the match-point, 15-14.
Kianna Dy completed F2 Logistics’ nail-biting win with a clutch back-row attack as she finished with 17 points from 16 kills.
F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego was relieved after her team survived a tough debut that lasted for two hours and 43 minutes.
“It feels like a championship but yeah, it was a good game. In this game we actually at least saw what we need to train the things we lack and the things we have the advantage,” said Diego in Filipino after they gave up 36 errors.
“It’s really a good way to know the challenges that we’ll meet in the future. But I’m happy because we won and I saw how brave my players are,” she added.
Libero Dawn Macandili delivered a steady floor defense for the Cargo Movers with 35 digs and 10 excellent receptions. Marano chipped in 11 points, while Ivy Lacsina added nine markers.
Cha Cruz-Behag also made her return after a four-year hiatus, playing in the last three sets and finishing three points. She made a huge impact with her on-court leadership for the Cargo Movers until the end of the match.
Prado led PLDT with 17 points and 10 receptions. Palomata had 16 points built on 11 attacks, three blocks, and two aces, while Reyes finished with 15 markers, including a game-high four blocks in a losing cause.