PSL F2-Manila succumbs to merciless Rexona-Sesc Rio

MANILA, Philippines – Rexona-Sesc Rio gave PSL-F2 Logistics Manila a taste of world class volleyball with a quick, merciless  25-15, 25-13, 25-20 victory Tuesday night at the start of the 2016 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

Ana Carolina Da Silva and Anne Bujis led the onslaught by unloading 13 hits apiece while Gabriela Braga Guimaraes and Pavao Monique Marinho scattered 11 and 10 points, respectively, to lead the South American and Brazilian champions.

Stephanie Niemer paced the Phl with 13 points.

While half of the squad are composed of foreign reinforcements, F2's local players somehow managed to contribute with Kim Fajardo playing the most as the starting setter while contributing three hits.

Jaja Santiago had three, skipper Rachel Ann Daquis, Mika Reyes and Jovelyn Gonzaga had two apiece.

Frances Molina and libero Jen Reyes both saw action briefly in the third set.

 Given up for dead after losing the first two sets via wide margin, PSL-F2 fought its way behind the heroics of local bets Mika Reyes and Kim Fajardo to catch Rexona-Sesc Rio flat-footed and seize a 14-7 lead in the third set.

It turned out its last show of resistance as the Brazilian side dominated the rest of the way by outscoring the local squad, 18-6, to complete the straight set victory to the disappointment of the decent-sized crowd that trooped the venue.