MANILA – F2 Logistics Cargo Movers retained its crown in the 2019 Philippine Superliga Invitational via a 25-22, 25-19, 17-25, 22-25, 15-12 win over Petron Blaze Spikers in the gold medal match at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Filipina-Hawaiian Kalei Mau tallied 30 points, including 27 attacks and three service aces on Thursday night while Mary Joy Baron and Kianna Dy added 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Ilongga Abigail Maraño also made her presence felt by draining five of the team’s 11 blocks to finish with 10 points, while libero Dawn Macandili protected the floor with 26 digs and nine excellent receptions.
The Cargo Movers made their presence felt early in the do-or-die finale by easily dominating the Blaze Spikers in the first two sets.
Petron, however, did not easily give up. It pushed F2 Logistics in the third and fourth set to force a decider.
In the fifth frame, the Cargo Movers surged to a 10-4 start but the Blaze Spikers clawed to within 8-10.
F2 Logistics pulled away at 13-9 and 14-11 before an error by Petron ended the match.
For the Blaze Spikers, Ilongga Aiza Maizo-Pontillas carried the cudgels with 23 points. Negrense Bernadeth Pons came off the bench with 18 points and as many as digs, while Cherry Rondina added 14 markers.
Meanwhile, Cignal HD Spikers salvaged the third place trophy after a 25-22, 25-15, 25-17 win over Foton Tornadoes.
Roselyn Doria delivered six attacks, three blocks and two aces for the HD Spikers./PN
