By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers remained undefeated in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference after surviving the gutsy Cignal HD Spikers in four sets, 25-20, 30-28, 23-25, 25-22, last July 1, 2023, held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
It was a close contest as Cignal was able to make every set competitive, even forcing the Cargo Movers to an extended period during the long second set but it was F2 who emerged on top after putting up more floor coverage winners in the last two sets.
Kim Kianna Dy once again boosted the Cargo Movers on the offensive end after ending up with 23 points built from 20 successful attacks alongside three huge blocks.
When F2 needed someone to create an early spark in the opening set, Dy answered the call for the former Philippine Superliga (PSL) queens after scoring five quick points off clean cross-court winners.
Dy’s fiery start was then followed up by the duo of Ivy Lacsina and Jolina Dela Cruz, combining for six points during the last eight scoring possessions of the Cargo Movers.
Cignal was able to force a fourth set after pulling off a brave third-period win behind the heroics of veteran spiker and former national team staple Rachele Anne Daquis.
Daquis electrified the crowd after going toe-to-toe with F2’s prized spikers while scoring three important spikes to help them clinch a 24-23 lead.
Just when the HD Spikers thought they could contain F2’s spikers with their improved middle blocking, the Cargo Movers switched things up and matched their tall frontline with their own twin towers of Majoy Baron and Lacsina.
The adjustment for head coach Regine Diego paid off dividends as their defense became the key to their scoring rally midway through the fourth set which also carried them until the last five scoring exchanges.
Backstopping Dy for the Cargo Movers is veteran libero Dawn Macandili who tallied a jaw-dropping 48 excellent digs and 15 excellent receptions.
“We got a lot to learn. A win is a win, we are happy about it but we have to learn from this. Marami pa kaming kailangang ayusin. Marami pa kaming dapat i-adjust,” said head coach Diego.