MANILA – F2 Logistics Cargo Movers moved closer to bagging the 2019 Philippine Superliga Grand Prix crown.
It posted a 25-20, 16-25, 25-23, 25-23 win over Petron Blaze Spikers in Game 1 of the finals at the San Juan Arena.
Maria Jose Perez led the way with 24 points on Tuesday night while Lindsay Stalzer added 21 markers, on 20 attacks.
The Cargo Movers can clinch its fourth PSL trophy in Game 2 tonight.
More than taking a 1-0 edge in the best-of-three championship series, the Game 1 victory of the Cargo Movers also shattered the Blaze Spikers’ erstwhile unbeaten 17-0 slate in Grand Prix dating back the eliminations.
The Cargo Movers waxed hot in the opening set but still needed a late push from Perez, Stalzer and Mary Joy Baron to thwart the defending champions Blaze Spikers and take a 1-0 set edge.
After the Blaze Spikers won the second frame, the Cargo Movers came back in the third with a 20-14 edge but Petron rallied back to tie the count at 23-all before Stalzer knocked the next two points to put F2 Logistics at 2-1 set edge.
Stalzer continued to torch her former team in the fourth set. She wielded the Cargo Movers to a 22-20 advantage. Perez then canned three straight points to clinch the victory.
“Tutal, animan lang naman diyan sa loob. Ang maganda kasi, gusto ng imports namin manalo. Sila ‘yung kailangang bumuhat sa team and pinakita namin,” said F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus.
Katherine Bell tallied 30 markers while Stephanie Niemer added 20 markers for the Blaze Spikers, which is hoping to stretch their title-retention bid to a do-or-die Game 3 on Saturday.
Meanwhile, PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters went through the wringer before escaping Cignal HD Spikers, 25-19, 25-18, 20-25, 20-25, 19-17, to capture the bronze medal./PN
