F2 Logistics celebrate win over Creamline in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — F2 Logistics displayed grace under pressure as it withstood the erstwhile unbeaten Creamline in five sets, 23-25, 25-18, 16-25, 25-23, 16-14, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Saturday before a roaring crowd of 6,765 at Philsports Arena.
Down two with the Cool Smashers already at match point, the Cargo Movers never waved down the stretch with Kianna Dy nailing a clutch block and Ivy Lacsina, who had nerves of steel from the service line, delivering the match-winning ace to complete their comeback in a nail-biting two-hour and 42-minute game.
After reigning MVP Tots Carlos scored back-to-back clutch kills for a 13-10 lead in the fifth set, she and Michele Gumabao committed two consecutive attack errors that wasted Creamline’s lead before Myla Pablo missed her serve to make it 14-12.
But the Cool Smashers committed a series of crucial errors that allowed F2 Logistics to force a deuce at 14 all after Carlos’ attack went long and Celine Domingo committed a crucial double violation.
That’s when Cargo Movers, who tied Creamline with a 3-1 record in second place, showed their pedigree.
“I am very proud of the team because they fought really well today. It feels like they didn’t want to give up in this battle, which is how it should be in all teams,” said F2 Logistics coach Diego in Filipino. “I’m really very happy for this win and hopefully, we can bring this momentum for the next few games. We cannot be complacent.
Pablo propelled F2 Logistics with a season-high 27 points built on 22 attacks and five blocks, while Aby Marano provided great leadership that kept her team afloat and finished with 14 points from 11 kills.
Dy, who struggled with one point in their straight-set loss to Chery Tiggo last Thursday, bounced back with 11 points, including three blocks,
Ara Galang was also instrumental with eight points, including three aces, and helped out libero Dawn Macandali with 17 digs and nine receptions. Lacsina had seven markers, as setter Kim Fajardo made 27 excellent sets.
Creamline gave up 34 errors, committing 11 of them in the fourth set in its first defeat in four games.
Carlos led the way with 21 points, 11 digs, and nine receptions. Jema Galanza chipped in 18 points. Setter Jia De Guzman had 35 excellent sets, as Gumabao and Jeanette Panaga added 14 markers.