THE F2 Logistics Cargo Movers won their first game in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) AII-Filipino Conference, defeating newcomers Nxled Chameleons on Tuesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Cargo Movers needed only three sets to beat the Chameleons, 25-20, 25-14, 25-16, and currently have a 1-1 record after their five-set thriller loss to Akari. The team has now joined the logjam as the fourth most packed group.
F2 was led once again by 6’1” standout Ivy Lacsina, who had 19 points, 15 attacks, and four blocks, following a career-high performance in their previous game. Lacsina, who has spent her entire career as a middle blocker, was obliged to fill the void created by the absence of Kianna Dy, who was suffering from knee troubles.
Lacsina admitted that she was hesitant to take the opposite hitter position. “Nung una po talaga, hindi ko gusto ‘yung opposite,” she admitted. “Sino po ba ako para pumili ng posisyon, so kung ano po binigay sakin kailangan ko i-embrace dahil ‘yon ang kailangan ng team.”
F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego was pleased with Lacsina’s willingness to play the role, and her performance in it. “I’m super proud and happy that she accepted the challenge,” she said. “Ngayon kahit saan mo ilagay si Ivy, kaya niya gawin. Pinataas niya value niya.”
Jolina dela Cruz and Majoy Baron scored a combined 21 points for the winning team. Dela Cruz had 11 points while Baron had 10 points and four blocks. The Cargo Movers’ defensive charge was led by the twin towers of Baron and Lacsina, who collected eight of the team’s 12 blocks.
Kim Fajardo chipped in 11 points, including two aces, for F2 Logistics, while skipper Aby Marao and Ara Galang combined for 14 more. While the team performed admirably, coach Diego remained unsatisfied.
“Happy kami kasi nanalo kami but again, we still have a lot of things to work on and we cannot be complacent,” she said. “This is a good boost for our team but then again, this is not the end; we have a lot more games.”
Nxled, on the other hand, has a 1-1 card. Lycha Ebon was the Chameleons’ lone double-digit scorer, scoring 11 points in a losing effort. Jho Maraguinot and Krish Macaslang were held to seven and five goals, respectively, throughout the game.
On Thursday at 2 p.m., reigning champions Creamline will meet Gerflor. Akari will compete against Farm Fresh at 4 p.m., while the main event between Cignal and Choco Mucho will take place at 6 p.m., at the Ynares Center.
