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[av_heading heading=’PSL-F2 Logistics claims first set win vs reigning champ Istanbul ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
By ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – The Philippine Superliga-F2 Logistics made another tough stand before bowing to Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul, 25-17, 25-17, 23-25, 25-14, in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship on Friday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Despite yet another defeat, the PSL-F2 Logistics squad has something to be proud of after pulling off its first-ever set victory in the third set at the expense of the defending champions Eczacibasi VitrA in this prestigious tournament.
“Believe me, this (third set victory) will go down in history of the Philippine volleyball,” said PSL-F2 Logistics head coach Moro Branislav. “This was unthinkable 10 or 20 years ago.”
The PSL-F2 Logistics jumped to an 8-3 lead behind Rachel Anne Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga. But the Eczacibasi VitrA answered with a run for a 16-13 lead before pulling away for good in the opening set.
The PSL-F2 Logistics got another early lead in the second frame at 12-7 behind Daquis, Gonzaga and Fajardo. But multiple errors by the Philippine squad allowed the Eczacibasi VitrA to run away with another set win.
Eczacibasi VitrA started strong in the third set for a 10-5 lead but the PSL-F2 Logistics kept it close behind Lynda Morales and Stephanie Niemer for a 23-all score. Back-to-back hits by Lindsay Stalzer and Niemer gave the home team its first-ever set win.
The Eczacibasi VitrA quickly bounced back in the fourth set as it opened an 8-5 lead. Errors by the PSL-F2 Logistics allowed the Eczacibasi VitrA to build a 19-11 edge. After some hits from the home team, errors from them handed the win to the Turkish squad.
With the victory, the Eczacibasi VitrA will advance to the semifinals round against its Turkish rival VakifBank Istanbul, while the PSL-F2 Logistics will play in the classification round for fifth to eighth place./PN
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