The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers clinched the 2018 Chooks-to-Go Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference crown after sweeping the Petron Blaze Spikers in their best-of-three finals showdown.
The Cargo Movers took down their rivals in four sets, 25-18, 23-25, 25-23, 25-18, in Game 2 of the championship on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
F2 Logistics' seasoned players took over when it mattered most, holding off the Blaze Spikers' persistent fightback in all sets.
A fired up Aby Maraño spearheaded the charge with 15 points highlighted by six blocks. Ara Galang also topped with 15 markers built on 11 kills, three blocks, and an ace, alongside 17 receptions.
Majoy Baron and Cha Cruz-Behag added ten points apiece. Kim Fajardo tallied 33 excellent sets and 21 digs while Dawn Macandili registered 26 digs. After a tight back-and-forth battle in the opening rallies, F2 Logistics began pulling away midway through the first period. Behag pushed her team to a 19-13 lead before Mich Morente delivered down the stretch for a 1-0 edge.
The Cargo Movers looked on their way to a lopsided triumph in the second frame, building an 18-9 cushion after a Maraño runner. Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, however, sparked a huge run for the Blaze Spikers.
Rondina nailed back-to-back hits to knot it at 22-all before a miscommunication on Petron's part gave the lead back to F2 Logistics. Rondina unleashed three more clutch kills to complete the Blaze Spikers' incredible comeback that tied the match at one set apiece.
An emphatic Galang smash towed the Cargo Movers ahead 24-19 in the third frame. Behind Ces Molina's blocking and the Pons-Rondina offensive punch, Petron saved four set points and almost pulled off another come-from-behind win but Maraño was there to save her team from another meltdown.
The Cargo Movers carried over their momentum in the fourth period, with veterans Behag and Baron helping Maraño in the closing rallies to seal the title.
The Blaze Spikers relied heavily on Rondina and Pons who finished with 20 and 13 points respectively in the loss.
After four consecutive finals face-off, Petron and F2 Logistics now have an even 2-2 record.