By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers didn’t disappoint in another Premier Volleyball League (PVL) clasico showdown against the Creamline Cool Smashers after handing them their first-ever loss, 23-25, 25-18, 16-25, 25-23, 16-14, in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference last February 18, 2023.
Down 10-13 in the fifth and final set of the match, the Cargo Movers relied on their experience and timely attacks to fend off the rolling Cool Smashers and complete the comeback victory.
Two-straight offensive errors from the Cool Smashers rewarded the Cargo Movers two easy points that helped them trim the deficit to just a point, 13-12.
However, a crucial service error from Myla Pablo gave Creamline the match point, 14-12, and only needed one final point to extend their undefeated PVL streak to four-straight wins.
Needing something to give them a spark, the former Philippine Superliga (PSL) queens banked on their signature middle blocking defense after an Aby Maraño swat that negated Creamline’s quick 1-2 set attack for Ced Domingo that equalized the match at 14-all.
Another huge block from F2 Logistics finally gave them the lead in the last two minutes of the final set after a Kim Kianna Dy rejection on Tots Carlos.
With tensions running high and the pressure back on the serving Ivy Lacsina, the former National University star delivered the final blow and scored a looping service ace which the Cool Smashers failed to receive.
Pablo spearheaded the comeback effort from the Cargo Movers after erupting for 27 points built from 25 successful attacks.
The new member of the F2 Logistics carried the yellow nation in the fourth set after going for a personal scoring run highlighted by back-to-back spikes to give them a 25-23 win.
Dawn Macandili, the current libero of the PHL national team, also stepped up to the challenge and anchored the Cargo Movers’ floor defense with 19 digs and 14 excellent receptions.
Despite a quiet night for Dy who became one of their most consistent offensive players in the past two games, the versatile outside spiker still produced 11 points while Maraño had 14 markers.
“I am very proud of the team because they fought really well today. It feels like ayaw talaga nila ibigay yung laban which is how it should be in all teams,” F2 Logistics head coach Regine Diego said.
With the win, the Cargo Movers improved their PVL record to 3-1 and will look to win their second-straight match when they take on the Cignal HD Spikers on February 25, 2023.
Meanwhile, the Cool Smashers just received its first loss in the All-Filipino Conference and are seeking to bounce back against the Chery Tiggo Pro Crossovers on the same schedule with F2 Logistics.
