FOR the second straight time the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers and Petron Blaze Spikers face off in the finals of the Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix with the combatants equally determined to see their respective causes through.
The Cargo Movers look to make it 2-of-2 over the Blaze Spikers in the finals of the import-laden tournament while the latter try to complete their unfinished business after having the rug pulled from under them in last year’s edition of the grand prix.
Proceedings begin today with Game One of the scheduled best-of-three gold medal joust at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 7 p.m.
Serving as an appetizer is the battle for bronze at 4:15 p.m. between the Cocolife Asset Managers and Foton Tornadoes.
Came from behind to win the tournament in 2017, F2 Logistics has its mind-set on defending its crown against an opponent it expects to be hungry after falling short last time around.
“The mind-set of the players is to defend the title. I’m telling them that they are the reigning champions and everybody is looking to beat them. So they have to show up prepared and ready to win because their pride as defending champions is at stake,” said F2 Logistics coach Arnold Laniog in the lead-up to today’s game.
The Cargo Movers topped the elimination round with a 9-1 record before beating the Smart Prepaid Giga Hitters in the quarterfinals.
Towed by Kim Fajardo, Aby Maraño and Cha Cruz along with imports MJ Perez and Kennedy Bryan, F2 Logistics moved on to defeat Foton in their best-of-three encounter to book its place in the finals.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Blew its chance to claim the grand prix crown last year, Petron is eyeing redemption as it makes another go in the finals.
The Blaze Spikers took the series-opener over the Cargo Movers in the 2017 finals but could not complete the task as F2 Logistics won the next two matches to make its way to the title.
That regretful episode is serving as motivation for Petron, with coach Shaq Delos Santos saying they will try their very best to complete what they view as unfinished business.
“We will do everything to prepare for our finals rematch with F2 Logistics. It is a very talented team. It is a strong and aggressive team. The big challenge for us is what happened last year when we lost to them in the finals. This is a new opportunity and we’re accepting this challenge to, hopefully, win the title,” Mr. Delos Santos said.
Petron finished at number two in the elimination round despite a similar 9-1 record with F2 Logistics. It then eliminated Generika-Ayala Lifesavers in the next round and completed its finals return with a sweep of Cocolife in their best-of-three semifinals.
The Blaze Spikers are banking on the leadership and play of import Lindsay Stalzer as well support from fellow reinforcements Katherine Bell and Yuri Fukuda.
Mika Reyes, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Remy Palma banner Petron’s local crew.
The finals of the PSL Grand Prix will be broadcast over ESPN5. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
