F2 Logistics’ Ivy Lacsina in the PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
For all the talk about the debuting stars on opening day, F2 Logistics showed it could get things done with a mainstay moved to a new position.
Ivy Lacsina played her first game as an outside hitter as the Cargo Movers gave newcomers Farm Fresh Foxies a rude welcome in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference with a 25-22, 25-20, 25-23 whipping on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The 6-foot-1 Lacsina’s stats were solid for a player still feeling her way into a new position: 12 attacks and one block. But already, F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego sees big things coming from the former middle blocker out of National University.
“From the first time she played in that position, I know that there will be doubts because she is not used to playing that position. But I know she has the potential to be one of the best outside hitters in the Philippines,” said Diego after the Cargo Movers won their Pool B match.
“I know she still has a lot to learn and hopefully in the future, she will be one of the best,” she added.
Lacsina added that the move has not been easy, but that she has gotten a lot of help along the way from the senior members of the team and the coaching staff.
“I embraced this new position given to me. Coach always tells me that she trusts me, especially last night when I messaged her. It was a big factor in why I played [well today],” said the 23-year-old Lacsina.
“That’s what I really need, that trust that they have in me,” she added.
Team captain Aby Maraño scattered five kills, three blocks and two aces to finish with 10 points to anchor the Cargo Movers’ sweep of the Foxies in an hour and 28 minutes.
Mars Alba in her debut with F2 Logistics. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Mars Alba started in her first PVL game and delivered 14 excellent sets and five points including two aces while fellow rookie Jolina dela Cruz also made a good account of herself with seven points, including the game-sealing ace, and nine receptions. Kianna Dy chipped in nine points while Majoy Baron added seven.
“We are happy that we won,” Diego said. “But we have to learn more. We have to make better connections with each other.”
The Cargo Movers eye their second win against the Cignal HD Spikers on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the same venue with Diego looking to win every game in Pool B as only the top two teams will advance to the semifinal round.
Gayle Pascual, the former St. Benilde star, was the lone double-digit scorer for the Foxies with 10 points. Wielyn Estoque had eight points, while Kate Santiago finished with seven points in limited minutes. Trisha Tubu also saw limited action in her first pro game and finished with only three points.
Farm Fresh will try to bounce back against Choco Mucho on Thursday at 4 p.m.