‘Tight schedule’ reason for F2 Logistics’ withdrawal from PVL Invitationals

F2 Logistics in its first game in the PVL Open Conference. PVL MEDIA BUREAU

MANILA, Philippines — F2 Logistics opted to skip Premier Volleyball League Invitationals with its coaching staff just coming off a grueling stint with the La Salle Lady Spikers in the recently-concluded UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament.

The Cargo Movers on Thursday evening explained their side why they will not be joining the midseason tournament.

“We have decided not to participate in this said Invitational Conference due to tight schedules from our end,” the team wrote. “As you are aware, all of our coaches were also part of the recently concluded UAAP league and we respect their commitment to that. This makes it a little difficult for us, as all of our coaches need more time to immerse themselves with the team again. Because of strict bubble protocols which are all necessary, merging coaches and players was more challenging for us.”

Coach Ramil de Jesus and his assistants Benson Bocboc and Noel Orcullo called the shots for the La Salle Lady Spikers, who played in Season 84 that started last May and ended last Tuesday, losing to the National University Lady Bulldogs.

La Salle settled for silver after getting swept by NU, which ended its 65-year title drought.

De Jesus skipped the previous Open Conference as Bocboc took charge in coaching, which missed the quarterfinals in its PVL debut after finishing with a 2-2 record in Group A.

The Cargo Movers placed sixth after losing to the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the classification.

F2 Logistics said it will use its time to improve and recover from injuries as it braces to return for the season-ending Reinforced Conference.

“We wish to be a better and stronger team compared to the last time we played in the PVL. More than just participating, we play to achieve excellence. For now, we are not ready yet and everyone who supports us deserves more from us,” the statement concluded.

It’s not the first time that F2 Logistics begged off from competition as it already skipped the 2021 season due to injuries.

BaliPure won’t join the Invitationals as Open Conference champion Creamline leads the seven-team field in the tournament starting July 9.

But two Asian teams, Kobe Shinwa Women’s University of Japan and Taipei King Whales, will join the action in the semifinals.