F2 Logistics turned back Foton, 25-20, 24-14, 9-25, 20-25, 15-10, in a thrilling Game One of the Philippine Super Liga All Filipino Conference Finals at The Arena in San Juan on Thursday night.
The Cargo Movers took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three championship series, moving a win away from joining Philippine Army, Petron and Foton in the ranks of the three-year old league's champion teams.
Aby Marano finished with 17 points, built on 11 hits, five blocks and one service ace, for the Cargo Movers, who can wrap up their maiden title in the commercial league with a win in Game Two on Saturday.
F2 Logistics coach Ramil de Jesus admitted he was braced for a tough fight even after his team won the first two sets easily.
“Expected naman (na mahirap) kasi nga nagulat din ako noong first two sets na nakuha agad namin. Siguro nagtiyaga lang ang team and then third set lumabas na talaga ang laro ng Foton," he said.
Just when the La Salle-powered F2 Logistics looked set for a romp, veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan brought the Tornadoes back to life, 10-1, lead in the third set.
F2 Logistics woke up just in time in the fifth set and broke loose from a 3-3 tie to take a 9-5 lead after a Mika Reyes soft tap to the middle.
The Cargo Movers and never looked back from there.
“Pinakita nila (players) ang character sa fifth set na kahit nakunan ka ng dalawang sets, ‘yung character and maturity makikita sa loob,” said de Jesus.
Sisi Rondina led the way for Foton with 22 points, while Santiago added 19.