MANILA – Newcomer Kalei Mau proved to be the difference-maker as F2 Logistics Cargo Movers pulled a 25-21, 17-25, 27-25, 25-19 win over the Petron Blaze Spikers in the 2019 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference at the San Juan Arena.
The Filipina-Hawaiian hitter, a transferee from the defunct United Volleyball Club, unloaded 23 points, on 21 attacks and two blocks, as the Cargo Movers moved up to 4-0 win-loss slate on Thursday.
“Malaking bagay ‘yung pagdating sa amin ni Kalei. Nakadepensa kami, mayroong go-to-guy ‘yung team,” said Cargo Movers head coach Ramil de Jesus. “Pero ‘yung lang, hindi kumpleto ‘yung Petron team.”
Victorinara Galang had double-double 18 points and 10 receptions while Dawn Macandili chipped in 26 digs and 13 receptions for F2, which dealt arch-rival Petron its first elimination round loss in two conferences.
Negrense Bernadeth Pons tallied double-double 18 points and 27 digs while Frances Molina chipped in 16 points for the Blaze Spikers (2-1), which played sans starting libero Dennise Lazaro and Cherry Rondina.
In the first game, the Cignal HD Spikers flaunted its might as it dominated the PLDT Home Fiber Power Hitters, 25-12, 25-21, 25-15, to maintain its unblemished slate after three games.
Mylene Paat and Rachel Anne Daquis delivered the blows, taking turns in piercing the defense to tow the HD Spikers. The former had kills and three blocks while the latter had 10 kills and a service ace.
“I’m really pleased to see my players step up. I always tell them to be ready and prove that they are capable of rising up to the occasion,” said HD Spikers head coach Edgar Barroga./PN
