By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
After a slow start in the ongoing 2022 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference, the former Philippine Superliga (PSL) queens F2 Logistics Cargo Movers may have found their magic once again.
Down two sets to none against the no.1 ranked Creamline Cool Smashers squad, the Cargo Movers banked on their brilliant defense and a balanced attack to storm back in the match, 22-25, 23-25, 25-20, 25-19, 15-11, last November 8, 2022.
The surging Cargo Movers not only defeated the reigning PVL champions but also dealt the Cool Smashers its first loss of the import-laced conference.
It was a rough first two sets for the F2 Logistics after the Cool Smashers overwhelmed them with their blazing attack that was generated from almost everywhere on the floor.
The duo of Jema Galanza and superstar Alyssa Valdez provided the early offensive punches for Creamline and were also exposing their middle blocking deficiencies in the first two sets.
However, after the whistle was blown in the third set, the Cargo Movers deployed crucial adjustments and paired Kim Kianna Dy with the young and towering Ivy Lacsina.
The Dy-Lacsina tandem worked wonders for F2 Logistics’ middle blocking woes and helped build up their momentum midway through the third set.
Kim Fajardo also made sure that the Cargo Movers’ offense will be equally distributed after dishing out 24 excellent sets.
The Cool Smashers had the chance to equalize the match in the final set when they managed to pull within a point, 10-9, but three crucial points from Aby Maraño, Shola Alvarez, and Dy ballooned F2 Logistics’ lead to four points.
With the match point already in their hands, Elaine Kasilag hammered a vicious attack in the net that completed the Cargo Movers’ 0-2 comeback win.
Super import Lindsay Stalzer led F2 Logistics with a game-high 27 points built from 22 successful attacks alongside three service aces and a block.
Meanwhile, Dy finished the match with 18 big points including six clutch blocks that helped the Cargo Movers pull away in the fourth set.
Yeliz Basa top-scored for the Cool Smashers with 19 points built from 17 successful attacks while Valdez and Galanza each chipped in 12 markers apiece.
The Cargo Movers will have the chance to notch their fourth win in a row on November 15 when they clash with the Akari Chargers.
