F2 LOGISTICS and Cignal opened its Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference campaign on a high note after besting separate foes yesterday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Jolina Dela Cruz’s match-clinching ace tows the Cargo Movers to a 25-22, 25-20, 25-23 win over debuting Farm Fresh.

The HD Spikers overcame a sluggish start to beat last conference’s runner-up PetroGazz, 18-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-22, in the other Pool B opener.

The Foxies threatened to extend the match at 23-23 after Zam Nolasco produced a service ace when Aby Maraño scored a quick kill to put the Cargo Movers at match point.

Playing in her new position as open spiker, Ivy Lacsina took the scoring mantle for F2 Logistics with 13 points while Maraño had three blocks and two service aces to finish with 10 points.

Setter Mars Alba, who along with Dela Cruz were part of La Salle squad which ruled UAAP Season 85, tossed in 14 excellent sets and matched Maraño’s two service winners in a solid debut.

Dela Cruz logged seven points and nine receptions in her first pro game, while erstwhile collegiate rival Jov Fernandez, a former Far Eastern University opposite spiker, scattered all of her three points in the third set.

Kim Kianna Dy had nine points while Majoy Baron also scored seven points for the Cargo Movers.

“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.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado