MANILA, Philippines — F2 Logistics pierced Petron’s veil of invincibility, sending their best-of-three clash for the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference crown to the limit with a 21-25, 25-19, 25-20, 25-17 victory at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay yesterday.
Foiled in their fightback from a six-point hole in the first set, the Cargo Movers toughened up at the homestretch of the last three frames to force the deciding Game Three on Thursday and deny the Blaze Spikers a title-clinching tournament sweep.
Petron was gunning to score a repeat of its unbeaten run to the 2015 AFC diadem and was sporting a 13-0 record following a 25-23, 25-11, 25-17 Game One win last Saturday.
“Medyo tight noong first set. Marami pang bad calls ‘yung referee. Nandoon na ‘yung momentum, biglang mapuputol,” said F2 Logistics coach Ramil de Jesus.
“Noong second set, medyo relaxed na. Masyado lang malayo ‘yung naging score sa first set kaya nahirapan humabol so ibig sabihin kaya. Basta pagtiyagaan lang ‘yung bawat situation na nangyayari,” he added.
The Cargo Movers unleashed a 5-0 finishing kick in the fourth capped by back-to-back hits by Cha Behag, cheered on by their yellow-clad supporters who repeatedly chanted “Game Three!” when they reached match point.
Ara Galang led the way for F2 Logistics with 20 points, Majoy Baron fired 14, Behag was all over the floor with 13 points, 25 digs and 15 excellent receptions while Mich Morente poured 10 points.
“Ginawa naming lesson ‘yung Game One. Nag-move forward kami. This Game Two, nag-focus kami sa ability ng bawat isa sa amin. Teamwork talaga ang kailangan at kumpyansa sa sarili,” said Galang.
“It’s by God’s grace. Binigyan niya kami ng lakas kahit anong nararamdaman namin. Pinaalala ni coach kung sino talaga kami, kung anong kaya naming gawin,” said Behag.
Frances Molina came away with 17 points, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas chalked up 11 and Bernadeth Pons tallied 10 for the Blaze Spikers.
In the first game, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas wrapped up its campaign with its first victory, pouncing on fellow ousted team Colegio San Agustin-Biñan, 25-23, 25-18, 21-25, 25-16, in the Philippine Superliga Collegiate Grand Slam at the same venue.
DLSU-D fell short in its late fightback in the third but cashed in on CSA-Biñan’s errors and sloppy reception in a pivotal stretch in the fourth to finally break through at the end of eliminations after four losses.
CSA-Biñan also exited with a 1-4 record.
“Before the start of the competition, we prepared well. But the players weren’t able to show it because they got conscious and were starstruck. I told the players that I hope we will be able to display what we have practiced when we face CSA,” said DLSU-D coach Joven Racelis, adding that his players were happy but a bit nervous in playing at the MOA Arena for the first time.
Veteran Eunice Castillo rained down five aces in the fourth, including four straight that gave DLSU-D a commanding 21-9 lead.