PVL: Aby Marano takes on challenge of being libero for F2 Logistics

F2 Logistics’ Aby Marano. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — From defending the frontline, Aby Marano has embraced a new role protecting F2 Logistics’ floor as libero in their 2022 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference debut.

Longtime middle blocker Marano and outside spiker Ara Galang played as F2 Logistics’ liberos after missing Dawn Macandili due to an undisclosed injury in their 23-25, 21-25,  22-25 loss to Chery Tiggo on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

The Philippine women’s volleyball team mainstay shrugged off her late adjustment as libero for the Cargo Movers, who also missed backup defensive specialist CJ Saga-Woo, import Lindsay Stalzer and Tin Tiamzon due to health and safety protocols.

“Masaya. Lagi tayong magte-take ng responsibility when needed. Actually, parang three days lang na sobrang short time ng preparation para maging libero ako. Kasi may mga circumstances na dumating. Pero sinabi ko sa sarili ko, kailangan kong tanggapin kaagad sa puso ka para magampanan ko ng maayos ‘yung role,” Marano told the reporters  “Kasi kung hindi ko siya tatanggapin, baka hindi magiging smooth ‘yung mga galaw. Baka hanapin ko pa ‘yung pag-palo. Gagawin mo siya ng walang pagdududa at saka panghihinayang. Walang reservations.”

(I’m always ready to take responsibility when needed. Actually, I was only given a short preparation to become a libero because of the circumstances. But I told myself that I must embrace this new responsibility, wholeheartedly, so I can embrace this role well. Because if I won’t, it won’t be a smooth transition and I might still be looking for attacks. I have to do it without doubts, regrets, and reservations.)

F2 Logistics’ Ara Galang. –PVL PHOTO

Galang was credited with six excellent receptions. Marano said she is still adjusting to being a leader in the back row.

“It’s a huge adjustment because everybody knew me as an offensive player. I would hit hard balls. They would see me with my swag and energy, at every point. But this time, it’s hard because the only thing I can tell them is, ‘Hit the ball hard. Don’t be afraid. I got your back.’ Not the Tyang, known for beast mode,” Marano said in Filipino.

“We’re trusting our middle blockers and the players in other positions. I hope they have the confidence next game,” she added.

The 29-year-old, for her part, seeks to control her set plays to her spiker as a libero. 

“I’m still polishing my control on off-system set to my wing spikers. I have to do some repetitions in practice,” said Marano.

But F2 Logistics coach Benson Bocboc said Galang and Marano taking care of the floor is just for the meantime, not for the whole tournament. 

“Definitely not (for the whole tournament). It’s not a plan.  We have to be ready lang just in case there will be adjustments in terms of health concerns,” said Bocboc. “They showed that they are ready to take care of the team’s reception and defense. We just fell short in attacking and blocking. We’ll get it back for the next game.”

F2 Logistics seeks to bounce back against Choco Mucho on Thursday.