F2 Logistics’ Myla Pablo. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
MANILA, Philippines — Myla Pablo’s 27-point explosion wasn’t enough to close out a win for F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in their semifinal round opener as they collapsed at the hands of defending champion Creamline in a thrilling five-set match in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.
Pablo sparked her team’s huge comeback in the fourth set after trailing 10-20 but the Cargo Movers couldn’t seal the win in the fourth as the Cool Smashers escaped with a 12-25, 25-15, 23-25, 30-28, 15-7 victory on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
The veteran outside spiker, who pulled off a surprise as a starter in their first semis game, was determined to deliver for F2 only to fall short and drop to a 1-1 record in the semis round.
“I just give my best when the team needs me. If the coaches need me, I’m there to help. I think the team was a bit lacking today. But my points were useless because we lost,” said Pablo, who registered 24 spikes and three blocks on top of eight receptions, in Filipino.
The former PVL MVP rued on their missed opportunity to complete the win in the fourth set which led to losing their steam in the decider.
“The fourth set was almost ours, but we gave out. We were trying to catch up really hard, so we can get the game. But we really lacked in the fifth set. We struggled in the offense and we were rattled,” Pablo said. “That’s usually our problem every game, when we lack communication.”
“We really have to work as a team, it can’t be just one, two or three people doing the work inside the court. All of us have to show up,” she added.
Myla Pablo and the F2 Logistics. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Amid the heartbreaking loss, the 29-year-old spiker lauded the efforts of Jolina Dela Cruz, Ara Galang, and Shola Alvarez, who were instrumental in erasing Creamline’s big lead in the fourth after Kianna Dy was subbed out midway through the set due to the pain on her right knee and calf and right forearm.
“We give kudos to our second six, Ara, Jolina and Shola, for their showing in the fourth set. We won’t be able to catch up without them and their defense,” Pablo said. “It was an exhausting game, but it was worth it because we were able to reach the fifth set. Of course, it hurts that we didn’t win but at least we gave our best. Everyone who played today contributed. ”
Pablo is confident that F2 Logistics will bounce back on Saturday’s match against PLDT (0-2).
“I think we’ll be able to fix this for our next game on Saturday,” she said. “We really need to do our best. All teams are tired, not just us. So we need to focus our mindset on every game. Teams are all trying to get a win.”