Small measure of triumph

PSL F2 Logistics Manila. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

PSL-F2 Logistics stole a set from defending champion Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul before surrendering a 25-17, 25-17, 23-25, 25-14 decision where the team went all-Filipino in the second set last night in the FIVB Women’s Club Championships at Mall of Asia Arena.

It was the best showing so far by the Filipino club, which managed to win its first set of the meet. The loss relegated PSL-F2 to the classification stage and will face Hisamitsu in the battle for 5th to 8th places.

PSL-F2 coach Moro Branislav went for what the crowd was asking for all week, sending Jaja Santiago, Kim Fajardo, Ces Molina, Rachel Anne Daquis, Jen Reyes, Mika Reyes and Jovelyn Gonzaga in one full set.

“We are very lucky for the opportunity given to us to play all-Filipino, that was a great experience,” said PSL-F2 Logistics team captain Daquis.

The PSL-F2 gamble almost paid off with the local crew leading most of the way, the largest at 12-7, through sheer hustle and power against an Eczacibasi, which likewise fielded an all-Turkish side led by team captain Neslihan Demir.

But soon inexperience got the better of the Filipino players—seeing action for the first time in the Worlds—as Eczacibasi slowly but surely put things in order.

PSL-F2 displayed a lot of spunk in the third set to finally win its first frame of the tournament against the relaxing Eczacibasi.

Lynda Morales, one of PSL-F2’s import, said: “We were able to win a set in the tournament which we were all set to do the past games.”