Lindsay Stalzer powers F2 over PLDT

MANILA, Philippines — F2 Logistics drew tremendous strength from Lindsay Stalzer as it turned back PLDT Home Fibr, 25-14, 18-25, 25-16, 25-22, to move on the brink of the finals in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan last night.

The power-hitting Stalzer showed why she’s a two-time Grand Prix MVP, unloading 29 points including 24 on kills as the Cargo Movers gained the crucial 1-0 upperhand in the best-of-three series.

F2 Logistics takes its first of two cracks at the finale in Game Two tomorrow. A deciding Game Three, if necessary, is on Saturday.

Stalzer actually had her lapses in the second set pounced on by the Power Hitters to level the count at 1-1.

But the F2 import quickly recovered, coming through with a barrage of kills as the Cargo Movers took command once again. Then Stalzer was at it again in the fourth, unloading three straight kills from a 22-all deadlock.

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

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

MJ Perez and Aby Maraño provided support with 19 and 11, respectively.

F2 set the pace early as Stalzer and Perez teamed up against a sluggish PLDT starting unit.

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