Crucial match up as F2 Logistics faces veteran Cignal crew

Jovelyn Gonzaga is having the time of her life with Cignal. —PVL IMAGES

Regine Diego was satisfied with Mars Alba running F2 Logistics’ attack during an opening day win over new team Farm Fresh.

And she has the veteran Kim Fajardo to turn too if things get tougher this time around.

The Cargo Movers face a Cignal HD Spikers squad that added a lot of experienced firepower when the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference holds another tripleheader on Saturday at Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan City. The HD Spikers took advantage of their added depth as Jovelyn Gonzaga, the former Army star, provided additional firepower in Cignal’s opening victory over Petro Gazz.

“It felt really good and really fulfilling to play for Cignal again,” said Gonzaga and Army sergeant. “We are very prepared for this tournament and I’m excited to show what I learned form our coaches.”

Gonzaga started slow for Cignal against Petro Gazz, taking two sets to warm up before displaying the form that has made her one of the feared scorers of women’s volleyball.

“In the first set, I really struggled, even in the second set it took time for me to heat up. But I realized that I have to step up because I promised my team that I will be there whenever they need me,” she said in Filipino.

Her presence with the HD Spikers boosts coach Shaq Delos Santos’ options and Gonzaga proved she wouldn’t have problems meshing with longtime regulars like Ces Molina and Rachel Daquis.

Hands full

“It feels good to be surrounded by teammates who will keep on fighting and will be there for you. Every time I look around the court, I see Ces fighting and Rachel, who never stopped leading us,” Gonzaga said. “What’s good with our team is coach Shaq knows who will step up in any kind of situation. So when he fielded Rachel, she really stepped up. That’s what I missed the most, playing with Rachel inside the court.”

But the Cignal veterans will have their hands full against a loaded F2 squad that got only better with the addition of La Salle graduates Alba and Jolina dela Cruz.

Alba, in particular, showed little problem running the offense for F2 Logistics, although the wily Fajardo might get the call for most of the game against Cignal.