Stalzer powers F2 Logistics over PLDT in Game 1 of PSL semis

Games Thursday
(Filoil Flying V Centre)
4:15 p.m. – Cignal vs Petron
7 p.m. – PLDT vs F2 Logistics

MANILA, Philippines – F2 Logistics drew strength from Lindsay Stalzer’s heroic performance as it turned back PLDT Home Fibr, 25-14, 18-25, 25-16, 25-22, Tuesday night to move on the cusp of barging into the finals of the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

The power-hitting Stalzer showed why she’s a two-time Grand Prix MVP as she unloaded 29 points, including 24 on kills as the Cargo Movers gained a 1-0 edge in their best-of-three series and could wrap it all up with a victory Thursday.

A deciding Game Three, if necessary, is on Saturday.

Stalzer though showed some moments of weakness in the second set that enabled the Power Hitters to snatch it and level the count.

She recovered though by coming through in the third set when she unleashed a barrage of kills in helping F2 dominate the set and then unloaded three straight kills late in the fourth set to break a 22-all deadlock and propel the team to win.

“The team needed her and she responded by being the leader in this game,” said F2 coach Ramil de Jesus of Stalzer.

Stalzer outshone PLDT imports Grace Lazard and Kendra Dahlke, who finished with 21 and 19 hits, respectively.

MJ Perez and Aby Marano provided Stalzer the needed backup with 19 and 11.

F2 set the pace early as Stalzer and Perez teamed up as it easily claimed the opening set against a sluggish PLDT.

The Roger Gorayeb-mentored Power Hitters, behind the Lazard-Dahlke duo, fought back in the second set and knotted the match at one apiece.

And then Stalzer took over.