PVL: F2 Logistics outlasts Choco Mucho in five-set thriller
F2 Logistics celebrate a point against Choco Mucho in the PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO
MANILA, Philippines — F2 Logistics pinned its hopes on its two crucial video challenges in the fifth set before staving off Choco Mucho for the 21-25, 25-17, 17-25, 25-21, 18-16 victory in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Tuesday evening in front of 7,067 fans at Philsports Arena.
After reaching the match point advantage, 14-13, Choco Mucho erupted into a celebration inside the court after Kianna Dy’s attack went out. But the coaching staff of F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego called for a challenge on a net touch.
The challenge went successful as the Cargo Movers forced a deuce before Bea De Leon brought back the Flying Titans at match point anew, 15-14. F2 Logistics almost lost the game after Jolina Dela Cruz’s spike went long, but she asked for a block touch challenge, which was also successful, to tie the game again.
Sisi Rondina, who erupted for her PVL-high 28 points, put Choco Mucho on the verge of victory again with a solid backcourt attack, 16-15, but Mars Alba nailed a crucial drop ball to save F2 anew.
The Cargo Movers made sure to get the job done as Dela Cruz delivered a go-ahead ace followed by Ivy Lacsina’s game-winning spike to end their thrilling two-hour and 37-minute match.
“We went through a tight challenge especially when our opponents were a point away from the win. Good thing, coach Reg challenged it,” said Dela Cruz, who finished with 11 points and 13 receptions.
“We told each other that if we get this challenge, we will turn this game around,” she added.
Kim Kianna Dy leads F2 Logistics. –PVL PHOTO
Kianna Dy led the way with 24 points off 21 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Aby Marano chipped in 14 points including three aces, while Majoy Baron also scored 11 points as the Cargo Movers remained unbeaten in three games — a win closer to booking the first semis ticket in Pool B.
“This win is very important for us. We have to learn from this also and we will keep going because it’s not yet done. This is not the championship,” said coach Regine Diego. “It was just a good game with my girls. And maybe a little bit luckier than Choco Mucho because Choco Mucho, they are really a Titan. They are really strong. We just worked together.”
Choco Mucho dropped to a triple tie at 2-1 with Petro Gazz and Cignal in the standings with only the top two teams from each group advanceing to the semis round with Japanese squad Kurashiki Ablaze and Vietnam’s Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh.
Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina in action. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Rondina dropped 27 of her 68 attack attempts and had 16 digs and 15 excellent receptions. Des Cheng scored 13 points but she was rushed to the hospital due to dehydration as she was stretchered off the court late in the fourth set.
Cherry Nunag nailed five blocks to finish with 12 points. Caitlyn Viray had 10 points, while Deanna Wong dished out 21 excellent sets as Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag added nine markers each.
