“‹F2 Logistics seeks to tighten its hold on the second spot when it tackles dangerous United VC in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix today at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Action starts at 7 p.m., with the Cargo Movers looking for their seventh win that will put them one game behind undefeated Petron in this prestigious women’s club league that has ESPN5 and 5Plus as broadcast partners.
Meanwhile, Foton tries to crawl out of the basement when it tangles with PLDT Home Fibr at 2 p.m. while Cignal and Generika-Ayala collide for a crucial win in the 4:15 p.m. second game of this tourney bankrolled by Asics, Mueller, Mikasa, Senoh, Team Rebel Sports, Bizooku, UCPB Gen, Cocolife, Hotel Sogo and Data Project.
After racing to six straight wins, the Cargo Movers suffered a minor hump when they bowed to the Blaze Spikers in their very first meeting this year; 25-23, 14-25, 22-25, 18-25.
But that setback is already a thing of the past as the Cargo Movers, behind the impressive performance of seasoned reinforcement Lindsay Stalzer, quickly gathered themselves and pulled off a very convincing 25-20, 25-21, 25-19 win over PLDT to shit down the first round of the preliminaries on a sizzling note.
Stalzer, who have three Grand Prix titles and two Most Valuable Player awards under her belt, erupted for 19 points while Becky Perry and Majoy Baron chipped in 12 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Cargo Movers, who are looking very serious in their pursuit to reclaim the title.
“We lost to Petron, but we recovered quickly against PLDT,” said F2 Logistics coach Ramil de Jesus, who had to rush from a game with De La Salle University at the UAAP just to make sure that the Cargo Movers will be able to bounce back.
“As much as possible, we want to sustain the momentum. We’re already in the second round and adjustments were already made. We expect all teams to step up. Every game will be very important as far as our quest for title is concerned.”
United VC, however, is no pushover.
After finishing the first round with a 4-3 mark, a lot is expected on the fearsome foursome of Kalei Mau, Alohi Robins-Hardy, Tai Manu-Olevao and Yasmeen Bedart-Ghani, especially now that they have already adjusted to the local brand of play.
In their previous meeting with the Cargo Movers on Feb. 26, United VC lost in four sets, but Mau dropped 22 points to match the firepower of Stalzer, who erupted for 30 points in her debut game this season.
“We’re looking forward to this match because we feel that we have a good chance to win this time,” said United VC coach Joshua Ylaya, who also drew significant numbers from Bedart-Ghani and Manu-Olevao.
“F2 Logistics is one of the best teams. But we’re adjusting and jelling as well so we’ll see. I hope we can convert our chemistry into a victory.”
Aside from Stalzer, Perry and Baron, also tipped to carry the cudgels for the Cargo Movers are Aby Marano, Michelle Morente and setter Alex Cabanos, who is doing a tremendous job in the absence of injured Kim Fajardo. “‹
