Ivy Lacsina pro move comes as surprise for NU, says coach Karl Dimaculangan

FILE – Former NU player Ivy Lacsina.

MANILA, Philippines — Although they are supportive of Ivy Lacsina’s decision to turn pro, National University head coach Karl Dimaculangan admitted the team was surprised when the middle blocker signed with F2 Logistics even though they were still in negotiations.

The Cargo Movers on Friday welcomed the 6-foot-1 Lacsina ahead of their return to the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, which means the Lady Bulldogs will no longer have her in their title defense in UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament next year.

Dimaculangan respects his player’s decision but he said the Lady Bulldogs didn’t know that Lacsina had signed already with F2 Logistics during the time they were still convincing her to stay in the middle of their practice for AVC Cup.

“After the championship, we are supportive of whatever will be their decision. But of course, we still want her to stay and the other seniors,” Dimaculangan told Inquirer Sports in a message.

“We are just surprised that she didn’t inform us right away kasi under negotiation pa kami and magkasama kami nun nag trraining for AVC. Pero ayun all this time pala is nakapirma na siya. (Because we were still under negotiation and we were together training for AVC but all this time, she had already signed a contract.)”

Inquirer sought Lacsina for comments but she has yet to respond as of posting time.

Despite being unaware of the contract signing, Dimaculangan wishes his 22-year-old middle blocker all the best in her new endeavor.

“We wish her luck on her new team and her pro (career),” the coach said.

ROOKIES TO STEP UP

Dimaculangan will be leaning on Season 84 2nd Best Middle blocker Sheena Toring and Alexa Nichole Mata as well as their upcoming rookies to fill in the hole left by Lacsina, who was the 14th Best Scorer in the elimination round with a total of 130 points built on 98 spikes,19 blocks, and 13 aces.

“We have rookie middle blockers and we are focusing on them. To improve their skills and adapt to our system. We still have Sheena and Nichole, I think we are still okay,” said Dimaculangan.

NU is playing seven UAAP teams and 10 NCAA squads in the Shakey’s Super League, which opens on September 22, as part of its build-up in its title-retention bid for UAAP Season 85.

Season 84 Finals MVP Cess Robles, Best Libero Jennifer Nierva, and back-up setter Joyme Cagande are all committed to play next year and see action in the preseason tournament, joining rookie MVP Bella Belen, Best Opposite Spiker Alyssa Solomon, and Best Setter Lams Lamina, who propelled the Lady Bulldogs’ 16-game sweep to deliver their first tile since 1957.

Four members of the champion team turned pro with Lacsina joining Jacqueline Acuna, who played for Cignal in the Invitationals, and France Ronquillo and Bingle Landicho.