F2 Logistics stops Foton, enters final

MANILA, Philippines — F2 Logistics overwhelmed Foton with its power game for the second straight time, scoring a 25-19, 25-18, 25-21 victory yesterday to clinch the first finals berth in the Chooks to Go-Philippine cat the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

Reigning MVP Maria Jose Perez fired away 21 hits, including 19 attack points, to lead the Cargo Movers’ romp that came on the heels of the defending champions’ four-set triumph in the opener of the  semifinal series Tuesday.

The Tornadoes scored on a hit and came through with an ace to pull within 20-22 in the third frame but the Cargo Movers, coming off a brief huddle, countered with back-to-back hits courtesy of Perez’s off-speed and off-the-block hits, putting them on the hill.

Though Perez failed to wrap it up with a long spike, the Tornadoes yielded the match-clinching point as Foton import Channon Thompson also sent her attack bid long, triggering the Cargo Movers’ celebration.

F2 Logistics will meet the winner in the Petron-Cocolife semis duel being played at presstime with Game One of the best-of-three finals set on May 1, also at the San Juan venue.

“The mindset of the players is to defend the title,” said F2 Logistics coach Arnold Laniog, adding that his players are slowly gaining the same chemistry and confidence that gave them their first Grand Prix crown last year.

“Our chemistry is improving and our connection is getting better. We know that we have a shallow bench. So this kind of improvement can definitely help us where we want to be.”

American Kennedy Bryan backed Perez with 10 markers while local stars Aby Maraño and Cha Cruz added eight hits apiece.