F2, Cignal target PVL lead; PLDT, Akari clash

GROUP B leaders clash in a pair of tough matches tipped to go down-to-thewire even as PLDT and Akari kick off their campaign in Group A in the third elims playdate of the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City today (Saturday).

F2 Logistics and Cignal slug it out in a key face-off with the winner gaining the edge in what looms to be a wild race to the semis among six teams. The Cargo Movers dispatched the Farm Fresh Foxies in three while the HD Spikers repulsed the Petro Gazz Angels in four in last Tuesday’s opener of the mid-season tournament of the league organized by Sports Vision.

That makes their 6 p.m. encounter crucial in their semis bids with F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego upbeat of their chances to make it back-to-back behind a solid crew reinforced by three ace rookies.

Former middle Ivy Lacsina expects to get better in a new role as open spiker after leading the Cargo Movers’ romp over the Foxies with 13 points while Aby Maraño, Kim Dy, Majoy Baron, who combined for 26 points, have always been ready to provide leadership and support, along with Myla Pablo, Ara Galang and Kim Fajardo.

But what makes F2, which finished fourth in the recent PVL All-Filipino Conference, formidable is the presence of rookies Jolina dela Cruz and setter Marionne Alba, who debuted with seven and five points, respectively.

Against the veteran-laden HD Spikers, however, Diego is likely to go for Fajardo majority of the way to guarantee smoother play as they try to zero in on one of the two slots in the next round.