F2-Petron SLiga final: Hungrier team wins

F2 Logistics coach Ramil de Jesus and Petron counterpart Shaq delos Santos are in saying that the latest titular showdown between their highly touted squads will most likely be determined by the hunger factor.

The two clash for Philippine Superliga All Filipino crown beginning tomorrow, marking the fifth straight time the rivals will try to outwit the other in a high-stakes confrontation.

“Just like before, winning in the finals all depends on their willingness and desire,” said De Jesus of his wards. “Hopefully, they would want it more. They worked hard to get into the finals. They should do everything to finish the job.”

Delos Santos expects no less from his charges, who are determined to extend their reign in the PSL’s most prestigious conference.

“For sure, F2 will review our game and come up with adjustments and we will do the same. So I think it will boil down to mental toughness and heart. We’ll have to labor for every point,” said Delos Santos, whose side won all their 12 games in the season-ending tournament.

The rivals boast of the more powerful lineups in the league, with the Blaze Spikers parading the likes of Mika Reyes, Remy Palma, Rhea Dimaculangan, Aiza Maizo Pontillas, Remy Palma, Bernadeth Pons and Sisi Rondina and the Cargo Movers fielding a potent crew led by Cha Cruz-Behag, Aby Marano, Ara Galang, Majoy Baron and Kim Fajardo.

Meanwhile, University of the East nipped Colegio San Agustin, 25-10, 26-24, 25-8, to advance to the bronze medal match of the Collegiate Grand Slam. The Lady Warriors, who posted a 2-3 mark in the elims, will dispute third place with idle Far Eastern.

Later, finals-bound University of Santo Tomas waylaid De La Salle-Dasmariñas, 2515, 25-16, 25-20 to complete a 5-0 sweep of the elims.

Eya Laure and Ysa Jimenez punched in nine points apiece as the Tigresses warmed up for their title showdown with University of the Philippines with another straight-set romp.

After dominating the first, the Lady Warriors struggled and trailed 21-23 in the second.