PSL: Kalei Mau proves worth in F2 Logistics’ win over Petron

MANILA, Philippines – F2 Logistics managed to snatch a win over defending champion and rival Petron thanks to its new deadly weapon – Kalei Mau. 

Mau led the team with 21 attacks and 2 blocks that were the crucial to F2’s four-set win, 25-21,17-25, 27-25, 25-19, in the 2019 PSL All-Filipino conference on Thursday, June 27, at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Fil-Hawaiian spiker admitted that the Blaze Spikers put up a huge challenge which the Cargo Movers had to overcome. 

“I’m not gonna say it’s an easy win, it was definitely messy. It could have been a lot cleaner on our part. But I think that what gives us the edge is obviously the environment. All the cheers, all the people,” said Mau. 

The Cargo Movers remain undefeated in the tournament with a 4-0 standing while leaving Petron with a scratch on their record at 2-1. 

The Cargo Movers blew an early eight-point lead, 14-6, as the Blaze Spikers managed to tie the score at 21-21. F2 Logistics eventually prevailed in the neck-and-neck opening frame. 

Petron bounced back in the 2nd set as the Blaze Spikers built from a six-point lead that knotted the match at 1-1. 

But it was F2’s momentum from edging out Petron in an extended third-set win that propped the Cargo Movers to a nine-point lead in the 4th set, 18-9. The Blaze Spikers attempted to rally back, but it was not enough to push for a deciding set. 

Earlier, Cignal secured back-to-back wins with a straight-set decision over PLDT,  25-12, 25-21, 25-16. 

Fresh from an opening-game triumph over Sta. Lucia, the HD Spikers kept a perfect 2-0 record. 

Even if she’s still adjusting with her new team, Alohi Robins-Hardy led Cignal with 20 excellent sets and 5 attacks. 

“I think just a positive mindset to get everybody the ball and connect with everyone in practice and in games [was the key] – talk to them and communicate with them so that I can give a head of a walk,” said Robins-Hardy. 

Offensively, Mylene Paat chipped in 14 markers while Daquis delivered 11 points. 

With momentum from the first two sets, Cignal opened the 3rd set with a 10-point lead and closed out the match in dominant fashion. 

PLDT fell to a 2-2 slate. – Czarina Brozo/Rappler.com