F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—F2 Logistics captured its first bronze medal in the Premier Volleyball League as it completed a series sweep of PLDT, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-15, in Game 2 of the All-Filipino Conference Battle for Third on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Cargo Movers recovered from another first-set loss against the High Speed Hitters and fought back from a 22-23 deficit both in the second and third to take a 2-1 match advantage.
F2 Logistics dominated the fourth frame with Kim Fajardo giving her team a 10-point margin through her ace, 20-10, and Aby Marano tallying the biggest lead, 23-12, en route to their first podium finish in the league since joining in 2021.
Fajardo orchestrated the Cargo Movers’ offense with 24 excellent sets and stepped up in scoring with a PVL career-high 11 points built on a team-best of four blocks and two aces including five attacks.
“I’m happy not because of my 11 points. It’s because it is our first time reaching the podium. It feels good,” said Fajardo in Filipino. “We’re already here. We’re closer but we haven’t reached our goal.”
F2 Logistics’ Kim Fajardo. PVL PHOTO
Kim Kianna Dy unleashed 19 points. Ara Galang continued to display her vintage form with 14 points including four of the team’s 15 blocks. She also had 16 digs and 10 receptions. Marano added 11 markers, while libero Dawn Macandili had 31 digs and 15 excellent receptions.
“I’m happy because a win is a win. It’s still a bronze. But you know, we can still dream. We can still work. Hopefully, we can be a champion soon. That’s everyone’s goal,” said F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego in Filipino after her first pro season as head coach.
The Cargo Movers also fought back from a first-set loss in Game 1 before taking a 20-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-17 win over the High Speed Hitters in front of former coach Ramil De Jesus on Sunday.
After falling short in the first set, F2 Logistics and PLDT had trades of attack and service errors that led to 23-all in the second. Dy nailed a cross-court kill to lift her team at set point, 24-23, before Mika Reyes’ hit went to the net, allowing the Cargo Movers to equalize the game at one set apiece.
F2 Logistics also came back from a 22-23 deficit in the third before Dy tied the frame with an off-speed. Marano drilled a quick attack followed by Galang’s block on Mich Morente to take a 2-1 lead.
PLDT finished fourth place with Dell Palomata leading the way with 16 points including four blocks. Mean Mendrez had 14 points. Jovy Prado chipped in 13 points, 22 digs, and 14 receptions, while Morente added 12 markers.