PSL: F2 foils Generika

Riding on the crest of its fruitful stint in Thailand, F2 Logistics sent Generika-Ayala crashing back to earth in straight sets, 25-20, 25-16, 25-20, to steal the solo lead in Pool A of the 2018 Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference Thursday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

The Cargo Movers used their confidence and experience they gained from the recent Sealect Tuna Invitational Championship in Sisaket, Thailand to dominate the erstwhile unbeaten Lifesavers in this prestigious club tourney bankrolled by Isuzu, UCPB Gen and SOGO Hotel with ESPN5, Hyper HD and Aksyon TV as broadcast partners.

All players from F2 Logistics contributed to snap the two-game winning streak of Generika-Ayala in this tourney that also has Senoh, Asics, Mikasa, Mueller and Grand Sport as technical sponsors.

Ara Galang, who only saw action in the first and third sets, led the way with nine points off six kills and three blocks, including 10 digs, while skipper Cha Cruz-Behag and Majoy Baron chipped in seven hits apiece for the Cargo Movers, who stole the leadership in Pool A with a 2-0 win-loss card.

Aby Maraño, Des Cheng and Michelle Morente added five markers each.

“Our trip from Thailand was a huge boost to the confidence of the players,” said F2 Logistics Head Coach Ramil de Jesus, whose wards took a two-week break to join the invitational tourney.

“Even we did not win our semifinals game there, the great level of competition and the system of Thai teams are what I want my players to adapt.”

Generika-Ayala, which sprung a surprise when it beat University of the Philippines-United Auctioneers Inc. and Foton, suffered its first loss of the tournament dropping to No.2 in Pool A with a 2-1 card.

Aside from their first setback, Lifesavers’ libero Kat Arado sprained her right ankle in the second set as she tried to save Kianna Dy’s spike that led to a 22-14 advantage for F2 Logistics, which momentarily took the 2-0 set lead.

Arado returned late third set trailing 20-23 but Galang and an attack error from teammate Angeli Araneta gave F2 Logistics the win in just 77 minutes.

Patty Orendain was the lone bright spot for Generika-Ayala with nine points as the Cargo Movers dominated them in blocking with an 11-1 difference.