F2 Logistics rallies from behind, snatches Game One from Petron

F2 Logistics Cargo Movers found the right combination of players just in time to sneak in with the first game of the Chooks Invitational Cup in Go-Philippine vs. the Petron Blaze Spikers 18 -25, 25-23, 20-25, 29-27, 16-14, center FilOil Flying V.

Leading 2-1 in sets, Petron mounted a furious comeback in the fourth set, clearing a 13 – 17 F2 Logistics leads to a 19-18 advantage. Winger Cherry Rondina allowed Petron to take a lead until the end of the game, allowing him to beat two blockers for a 23-22 lead. The Cargo Movers remained in the game by the gritty play in long rallies, eventually forcing a devil. F2 Logistics then took a break while a timing error on the part of Rhea Dimaculangan gave Cargo Movers a break at the set point, 26-25. The most valuable former UAAP player, Ara Galang, continued to push F2 Logistics to the fore, setting up Majoy Baron's block on Rondina forcing a referee

F2 Logistics was up in the fifth set with Cheng shoving consecutive points and an 11-8 lead. Petron gasped for a last ditch comeback, tying the match at 14 after F2 Logistics' offensive went silent. Majoy Baron, UAAP 81's MVP, then covered the match by hitting two blockers before serving an ace.

Head coach Ramil de Jesus has exhausted all options of F2 Logistics.

"Marami medyo kabado pa Sabi ko nga his kanila, finals ito Hindi pwedeng hindi natin tibayan ang loob natin to lang ganoon ip ipakita namin," he said.

Galang dominated all scorers with 18 points and also collected nine excellent receptions. Baron scored 15 markers on eight attacks, four blocks and three aces.

The Cargo Movers may close the series in the second game on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena and claim their third overall title.

Bernadeth Pons and Mika Reyes each scored 14 points for Petron

The scores

F2 Logistics (3) – Galang 18, Baron 15, Maraño 10, Cheng 9, Morente 7, Cruz-Behag 6, Dy 6, Tiamzon 4, Ogunsanta 3, Cobb 0, Gallenero (left), Macandili (left)

Petron (2) Pons 14, Reyes 14, Pontillas 13, Molina 12, Rondina 12, Cortez 3, Tunay 3, Dimaculangan 2, Palma 2, Agudo 0, Legacion 0, Duremdes (L), Gaiser (L)