F2 Logistics stops Foton, gains finals

MANILA, Philippines — F2 Logistics survived a major scare from Foton to eke out a gritty 25-19, 25-23, 17-25, 25-19 victory and book yet another finals ticket in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference last night at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.

The twice-to-beat Cargo Movers nearly wasted a huge 2-0 lead but regained composure just in time to knock off the Tornadoes and advance to their fourth straight All-Filipino and eighth overall Superliga championship stint since joining the league in 2016.

F2 plays the winner of Petron-Cignal semis tussle which is still happening as of press time, in a best-of-three titular showdown starting this Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Fil-am sensation Kalei Mau imposed her will, posting 16 points on 14 kills, a block and an ace to secure her first Superliga finals appearance after transferring to the Cargo Movers this year from the disbanded United VC.

Team captain Aby Maraño ably backstopped Mau with 13 points built on nine attacks, three blocks and an ace while Ara Galang (9), MaJoy Baron (7) and Kianna Dy (5) added key support as F2 took care of its win-once bonus as the No.2 seed in the double-round prelims.

“That’s a big challenge from Foton but good thing was, we made it and we’re on to the championship round anew,” said head coach Ramil de Jesus. “But it’s also our problem to address heading into the finals as we tend to relax after building a 2-0 lead. I just reminded them to play our game and not our opponent’s and the rest just followed.”

Hell bent on barging into the finals after two straight runner-up finishes in the All-Filipino, F2 raced to a 2-0 lead for a potential easy three-set victory.

Maraño set the pace in their emphatic opening set 25-19 triumph before Mau took her turn with an onslaught in a thrilling 25-23 second frame escape act.