Games on Thursday
(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
1:30 p.m. – Creamline vs Gerflor
4 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Farm Fresh
6:30 p.m. – PetroGazz vs Foton

MANILA — F2 Logistics and Cignal got off to a strong start in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference as they triumphed over their respective opponents at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

In their opening match, the Cargo Movers secured a 25-22, 25-20, 25-23 victory against the debuting Farm Fresh, thanks to Jolina Dela Cruz’s decisive ace.

Meanwhile, the HD Spikers overcame a slow start to defeat last conference’s runner-up PetroGazz in a thrilling Pool B opener, with a final score of 18-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-22.

In a crucial moment when the Foxies threatened to prolong the match at 23-23, Aby Maraño delivered a quick kill to put the Cargo Movers at match point after Zam Nolasco’s service ace.

Ivy Lacsina, playing in her new role as an open spiker, led the scoring for F2 Logistics with 13 points. Maraño contributed 10 points, including three blocks and two service aces.

Setter Mars Alba, who, along with Dela Cruz, was part of the La Salle squad that dominated UAAP Season 85, had an impressive debut with 14 excellent sets and matched Maraño’s two service winners.

Dela Cruz made a solid professional debut with seven points and nine receptions, while Jov Fernandez, a former opposite spiker from Far Eastern University, added three points in the third set.

Kim Kianna Dy contributed nine points, and Majoy Baron scored seven points to further bolster the Cargo Movers’ performance.

“Siyempre we are happy na panalo kami but we still have to learn more. We have to make better connections with each other lalo na bago si Marionne (Alba) sa loob ng court so marami pa siyang adjustments,” said F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego.

“Siyempre hindi pa rin ako magsa-stop dahil nanalo kami kasi marami pa rin kaming errors. Marami pang parts na kailangan naming linisin,” she added, as the All-Filipino Cup third placers gave away 22 points from errors.

Ces Molina had 22 points while Jovelyn Gonzaga had a triumphant return as a HD Spiker with a solid all-around game of 13 points, 20 digs and six receptions.

Middles Rose Doria and Riri Meneses had 12 and 11 points, respectively, while setter Gel Cayuna tossed in 22 excellent sets.

Grethcel Soltones came through with 22 points while Jonah Sabete added 21 points for the Angels. Djanel Cheng, fresh from her stint in the AVC Challenge Cup for Women, logged 13 excellent sets as a substitute.

Forming the core of two-time NCAA champions College of Saint Benilde, Farm Fresh still made an impression despite the loss.

Gayle Pascual, the Season 97 Finals MVP, logged three blocks for a 10-point effort, while Wielyn Estoque and Nolasco had eight and six points, respectively, for the Foxies.

Kate Santiago, who along Trisha Tubu left Adamson to turn pro, debuted with seven points. Tubu, meanwhile, could not overcome opening day jitters and finished with three points for Farm Fresh.

(ai/mtvn)