F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. PVL PHOTO
F2 recorded a podium finish in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) for the first time, third place in the All-Filipino Conference, after sweeping PLDT in their best-of-three series with a 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-15 win.
And for coach Regine Diego and setter Kim Fajardo, it’s time to dream for bigger things.
“I’m happy because a win is a win. It’s still a bronze,” Diego said in Filipino as their win provided for an electrifying appetizer to Game 2 of the Petro Gazz-Creamline title series at Mall of Asia Arena. “But you know, we can still dream. We can still work.
“Hopefully, we can be a champion soon. That’s everyone’s goal.”
The Cargo Movers recovered from a first set loss for the second straight game, playing with steely resolve from the second set on to frustrate the High Speed Hitters’ bid of sending the battle for the crumbs to a deciding match.
Fajardo orchestrated the Cargo Movers’ offense with 24 excellent sets and stepped up in scoring with a PVL career-high 11 points built on four blocks and two aces that went with five attacks.
‘We’re closer’
F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego
“I’m happy not because of my 11 points. It’s because it is our first time reaching the podium. It feels good,” said Fajardo in Filipino. “We’re already here. We’re closer, but we haven’t reached our goal (of winning a championship).”
Kim Kianna Dy unleashed 19 points. Ara Galang continued to display vintage form with 14 points, including four of the team’s 15 blocks. She also had 16 digs and 10 receptions. Aby Maraño added 11 points, while libero Dawn Macandili had 31 digs and 15 excellent receptions.
The Cargo Movers also fought back from a first-set loss in Game 1 before taking a 20-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-17 win in front of former coach Ramil de Jesus on Sunday.
After falling short in the first set, F2 Logistics and PLDT had trades of attack and service errors that led to 23-all in the second. Dy nailed a cross-court kill to lift her team to set point, 24-23, before Mika Reyes’ hit went to the net, allowing the Cargo Movers to equalize the game at one set apiece.