F2 Logistics scored a 25-18, 25-18, 27-25 victory over Smart to reach the semifinals of the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix on Saturday at the Gen Trias Sports Center in Cavite.
Imports Maria Jose Perez and Kennedy Bryan showed the way for the Cargo Movers, who advance against either Foton or Sta. Lucia Realty in a best-of-three semifinal series.
Perez, the reigning Most Valuable Player, delivered 17 hits while Bryan notched 15 kills and a block to finish with 16 points for the Cargo Movers, who effectively stopped Cuban sensation Gyselle Silva despite the absence of top blocker Aby Marano.
Silva, who erupted for a record-breaking 56 points last week, was held to only 25 points while drawing little support from Serbian spiker Sanja Trivunovic and local hitters like Genie Sabas and LaRainne Fabay.
Trivunovic, Sabas and Fabay combined for only 16 hits for the Giga Hitters, who committed 20 errors in the one hour and 20-minute match.
“The most challenging part of this win was the weather. I find it too hot so I have to save energy all throughout the game. Every time we have an intense rally, we have to breathe and save our energy because it was too hot here,” said Perez.
Smart, formed only two weeks before the opening ceremonies, closed its campaign without a win in 11 matches.
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