LIPA CITY — F2 Logistics hardly missed a beat despite being away from the volleyball scene for 20 months.
The Cargo Movers routed the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 25-20, 25-20, 25-22, to rule the PNVF Champions League without the loss of a single set on Thursday at the Aquamarine Sports Complex.
Kalei Mau made sure to cap F2 Logistics’ victorious comeback with another dominant performance against the reigning Premier Volleyball League champions, who were without Japan-based Jaja Santiago in this tournament.
It took Mau’s dominance, the vastly-improved play of Kianna Dy and strong support from new setter Iris Tolenada and mainstays Ara Galang, Majoy Baron, Aby Marano and Dawn Macandili to win all their five games without dropping a set.
Maiden champions
The Cargo Movers have already clinched the title after winning the first two sets for having the most tournaments points collected.
The Crossovers, led by Dindin Santiago-Manavat, put up a good fight in the third with Mylene Paat taking charge for a 20-18 lead.But attacking errors by Manabat and Paat gave F2 the opening, 23-21, before Mau nailed the two title-clinching hits.
“Siyempre masaya dahil kauna-unahang liga, nakuha mo yung championship. Maganda sa pakiramdam,” said De Jesus.
Mau played through a sore Achilles which forced her to miss the game against Tuguegarao two days ago, but still unloaded 16 points and even had a great defensive effort with 19 excellent receptions and nine digs.
“After nung match namin sa PetroGazz sumakit yung Achilles ni Kalei kaya hindi ko siya pinalaro sa Perlas. Buti na lang bumaba yung maga kaya nakapag-ensayo pa kaninang umaga,” the F2 Logistics coach said.
Baron added nine points and three of the team’s seven kill blocks. Marano nailed seven attacks for her eight markers, while Dy finished with six including three blocks. Dy was later named the league's first MVP.
New recruit Tolenada delivered 17 excellent sets and fired four aces in the championship match as she filled the void left by the Kim Fajardo, who went through treatment on a knee issue that made her missed the short tourney.
Manabat led Chery Tiggo with 17 points, while Paat had 12 attacks and two blocks for 14 points including eight digs. It finished the tournament with a 3-2 record.