It's a five-setter worthy of a championship.
The five-set match between the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the PVL Invitational Conference is a worthy submission for Game of the Year—if the fifth frame is any indication.
Choco Mucho was up by two sets, but F2 Logistics forced an extender. And it went down to the wire, 21-25, 25-17, 17-25, 25-21, 18-16.
Twice, the Flying Titans were on the brink of winning the set. Twice, they were thwarted by crucial challenges from the Cargo Movers.
"Sabi namin, 'di kami nagpakahirap para matalo sa fifth set. It's all or nothing," Kim Kianna Dy told reporters after the match. She had 24 points coming from 21 attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
Her boyfriend Dwight Ramos, who just arrived from Gilas Pilipinas' Europe camp, was present to provide support.
Choco Mucho was brought to match point with Bea de Leon hitting a facial right at Ivy Lacsina, 14-11. Jolina Dela Cruz managed to keep F2 Logistics alive with a point off a block.
With the yellow bench in prayer and holding their breath, Shola Alvarez became a magic bunot to deliver an ace. 14-13, still in favor of Choco Mucho.
Dy hit a spike and it was deemed outside, prompting the PhilSports Arena to erupt in cheers. The Flying Titans thought they won.
But the Cargo Movers called for a net touch, and the officials declared it successful.
"'Pag nakuha namin yung challenge na 'to, atin 'to," Dy added. "We're gonna fight."
Coach Regine Diego congratulated her assistant coaches and called for them to continue.
Bea de Leon brought Choco Mucho back to match point. Dela Cruz managed to hit one back but it flew out.
The UAAP Season 85 Best Outside Spiker though didn't seem fazed, raising a clenched fist. She was confident that it was a block touch.
"Makuha lang namin yung challenge na 'to, babaligtarin namin yung laro," dela Cruz shared to reporters.
Challenge successful. F2 Logistics tied the set, 15-15.
Coach Regine Diego then fielded another setter in Kim Fajardo to join Mars Alba.
The partnership became crucial as KAF got the reception, Dawn Macandili-Catindig tossed it, and Alba tipped it in to get another draw, 16-16.
Dela Cruz got the ace, and Ivy Lacsina spiked another to the corner to secure the match.
Seriously, you gotta watch.
"Sobrang saya kasi nagtiwala rin yung bawat isa, pati coaching staff. Especially si Coach Reg," dela Cruz noted.
Diego though wants to keep her girls grounded even though F2 Logistics is now alone at the top of Pool B at 3-0.
"It was good to celebrate because a win is a win and that win was amazing," she said. "But siyempre it's not the end yet. We have to recover more."
F2 Logistics will next take on Petro Gazz on Thursday, July 13. Only the top two squads per group will move on to the semifinals.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, Mei-Lin Lozada, Czarina Mina, One Sports Digital)
(CF)