PSL: Cargo Movers go for the clincher

F2 LOGISTICS tries not to give Foton a chance to live another day when Game 2 of the Philippine SuperLiga All-Filipino Conference championship series is staged today at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Cargo Movers drew first blood following a 25-20, 25-14, 9-25, 20-25, 15-10 win in last Thursday’s opener and are hoping to complete a two-game sweep of the Tornadoes in the match scheduled at 2:30 p.m.

A victory will put F2 Logistics alongside Philippine Army, Petron and Foton in the elite list of champions in the four-year old league.

The Cargo Movers will not expect a cakewalk in Game 2 though, as the Tornadoes  go to make major adjustments in a bid to force a winner-take-all.

F2 Logistics coach Ramil de Jesus simply reminded his troops that the job is not yet done.
   
“We still lack hard work,” said De Jesus. “We still have to be more matured and learn how to close out a tough game like this. I expect it to be tough. And Foton is a strong team. It will surely be back for Game 2.”
   
Using their superb blocking and Abi Maraño’s leadership on the court, the Cargo Movers quickly took the first two sets, but crumbled under pressure in the third and fourth as the Tornadoes – behind Jaja Santiago in the middle and Cherry Rondina and Patty Orendain’s attacking game – stormed back in the next two to stretch the match to fifth set.
   
But Foton’s first ball problems hastened its downfall in the decider, which F2 Logistics fully capitalized.
   
Coach Villet Ponce-de Leon claimed that she’s not worried despite falling losing Game 1 as the Tornadoes can match up well with the Cargo Movers.
   
“Buhay pa kami,” said Ponce-de Leon. “We will take this one point at a time, one set at a time, one game at a time. We’re given the opportunity, we’re given the time, so we might as well use that to our advantage. This is not yet over.”
   
With an error-filled opener, Foton  has failed to do those little things that made the Tornadoes successful in the second half of the tournament.
   
“The team was so eager and excited to win,” said De Leon, who is seeking to steer Foton to a second straight title. “We have to hold our game together and control the tempo if we want to win. We have to follow our pace every time the ball is on our side.”
   
If the Tornadoes prevail, Game 3 is set on Aug. 21 at the San Juan venue.