F2 Logistics inch closer to PNVF Champions League crown
LIPA City — National team stalwarts Kalei Mau and Iris Tolenada were in the zone as F2 Logistics posted a surprisingly quick 25-16, 25-23, 25-14 victory over Petro Gazz to seize the solo lead in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League on Monday, Nov. 22, at the Aquamarine Recreational Center.
Mau notched 18 of her 21 points from attacks to go with two blocks and nine receptions for the Cargo Movers who improved to 3-0 won-lost and moved two victories away from becoming the first-ever Champions League queens.
“I think we did pretty good,” said Mau after the one-hour and 29-minute match.
![F2 Logistics celebrate in their game against PetroGazz [PNVF photo]](http://ourdailynewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/received_3200591046830841.jpeg)
Iris Tolenada, the Cargo Movers’ starting setter who tossed in 22 excellent sets to go with four points, got Mau’s back.
“For me individually I can’t say I did a good job. It was my teammates. Iris [Tolenada] and I have been working pretty hard on our connection during our training,” Mau said. “I’m really proud of her. Without her I couldn’t make those points.”
Aby Maraño and Kim Kianna Dy each had nine points, while Ara Galang and Majoy Baron added six points for F2 Logistics.
Coach Ramil de Jesus has full confidence in Tolenada, a Filipino-American playmaker who joined the Cargo Movers only last month for the tournament.
“What I like with Iris is she is coachable and she is willing to adjust for the team,” De Jesus said. “She’s willing to learn F2’s chemistry.”
Ria Meneses was the lone bright spot for the Angels with 11 points and two blocks.
“We know they’re tired,” said De Jesus of Petro Gazz which went through the wringer to beat Premier Volleyball League Open Conference champion Chery Tiggo in five sets Sunday night.
“In the first set, they were playing well but in the later part, they really looked tired,” he added.
Only the Tuguegarao Perlas Spikers (Tuesday) and the Crossovers (Thursday) are standing in the way of the Cargo Movers.
“No matter who’s on the other side on the net, we have to bring it in. We have to play our game,” Mau said. “Our objective in every game is to control and play the game that that we’re good at.”
“We are excited and we are looking forward to the competition. This is what we loved to do and that’s why we are here. Hopefully, we stay healthy and rest up the time that we have,” she added.
