PSL F2 Logistics Manila. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
It may just have been one set, but the magnitude of PSL-F2 Logistics Manila’s shocker over defending champions Eczacibasi Vitra Istanbul is the first step to an eruption waiting to happen.
The defending champions went through a test against the hosts and overcame the Filipinos in four sets, 25-17, 25-17, 23-25, 25-14, in their final group stage match in the FIVB Women’s Club Women’s Championship Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.
That 23-25 dent in Eczacibasi’s otherwise immaculate score sheet was the sign PSL-F2 Logistics head coach Moro Branislav was looking for as the catalyst for Philippine volleyball’s quick improvement.
READ: PSL F2 wins set, but Eczacibasi bags victory
“This is a win for Philippine volleyball, after the tournament the level of Philippine volleyball will go up 30, 40 percent, this is very big,” said Branislav.
Not only did PSL-F2 upset the defending champions, the seven local players started and ended the second set which is expected to be a massive boost of confidence.
“This is a very important experience for the Philippine players, I guarantee you, after this competition, Philippine players will be better in the ASEAN level,” said Branislav. “All 14 players were smiling and that’s important my work, I like that good atmosphere.”
READ: Coach realistic of PSL-F2 Logistics’ chances in FIVB
“The important thing is to prepare a good atmosphere for the team.”
Team captain Rachel Daquis blushed up when Branislav gave them the opportunity to go all-Filipino and against the best club in the world nonetheles
And if the team only spent a little over two minutes after every match, the players stayed quite a while longer in the court to huddle around Branislav and give him their thanks.
“After ng game namin, lumapit kami kay coach and nag thank you kami,” said Daquis as she held back her emotions.