F2 Logistics banked heavily on its rock-solid defense and beat Foton, 25-19, 25-23, 17-25, 25-19, on Tuesday for a return trip to the finals of the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.
Bannered by Aby Maraño and Majoy Baron, the Cargo Movers posted 11 blocks to withstand Foton’s attacks coming from Jaja Santiago, Dindin Manabat, Marian Buitre and Eya Laure.
It was F2 Logistics’ fourth straight finals appearance in the All-Filipino Conference as it seeks to reclaim the throne it lost to defending champion Petron over the past two years.
Despite enjoying a twice-to-beat semifinal advantage, the Cargo Movers asserted their dominance particularly in the fourth set where they pulled away from a 16-14 lead to 23-19.
Foton then collapsed with back-to-back errors.
Fil-American Kalei Mau steered the Cargo Movers with 16 points including 14 kills, while Maraño chipped in 13 points built on nine spikes, three blocks and one ace.
Ara Galang and Baron added nine and seven points, Kim Fajardo dished out 24 excellent sets and Dawn Macandili contributed 30 digs.
“Foton was a big challenge. But entering the Finals will be our biggest test. This is an unfinished business for us,” said F2 Logistics coach Ramil De Jesus, who last won the All-Filipino title in their debut appearance in 2016.
F2 Logistics await the winner between Petron and Cignal, who were playing at presstime. The Blaze Spikers also carry a twice-to-beat semis incentive.
The best-of-three finals will start on Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Sisters Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat scored 20 and 15 points for Foton, but the Tornadoes gave up 37 points on errors that proved crucial in the two and a half hour match. (KRISTEL SATUMBAGA)
