F2 Logistics’ Ivy Lacsina in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –PVL PHOTO
ANTIPOLO — Ivy Lacsina admitted the opposite spiker is her least favorite out of all the positions she plays in volleyball.
But her determination to step up for F2 Logistics, which continued to miss the services of Kianna Dy due to a knee injury, helped the Lacsina thrive in her new role as she led her team past Nxled, 25-20, 25-14, 25-16, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at Ynares Center Antipolo.
After playing both as outside and opposite spiker for the Cargo Movers in their five-set loss to the Akari Chargers last week, Lacsina focused on the opposite and shone with a game-high 19 points on 15-of-28 attacking clip to go with four kill blocks and eight digs.
“I admit that I don’t like to play as an opposite hitter. But who am I to choose a position?” Lacsina said in Filipino after F2 Logistics won its first game. “Whatever role given to me, I have to embrace it because it’s what our team needs.”
F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego, whose team improved to a 1-1 record before their next out-of-town game against Galeries on Saturday in Candon, Ilocos Sur, lauded Lacsina’s versatility and eagerness to accept a challenge.
“I’m so proud of her because she accepted the challenge. We know that Ivy doesn’t want to play as opposite spiker but Ivy accepted the challenge proving that the team is important for her since this is a team sport, not an individual sport,” said Diego in Filipino. “Ivy added big value to herself as a player because she can play at any position. I don’t think there are a lot of players who can do that. Whatever Ivy is doing now, it’s just bringing Philippine volleyball to a higher level. If we have a lot of this kind of player.
F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. –PVL Photo
Lacsina’s career-high 26 points went for naught last week after the undermanned Cargo Movers fell short to the Chargers, but that didn’t stop the the former National University star from improving.
“There should always be room for improvement. I can’t be satisfied with what I do every game. I always think about the things that I failed to do last game, which could be a big help to my team,” she said.
Lacsina attributed their first win to her teammates as Jolina Dela Cruz delivered 11 points and 11 excellent receptions. Majoy Baron had 10 points including four blocks, while Antipolo native Aby Maraño and Ara Galang added seven points each.
Libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig returned from a shoulder injury after missing the first game and had 13 digs in the game.
“I won’t be able to do this without the help of my Ates, especially since we weren’t able to show our full potential last game. We’re still taking it one game at a time,” Lacsina said.
Nxled dropped to a 1-1 record, marking Japanese coach Taka Minowa’s first loss in the PVL. Lycha Ebon was the lone bright spot with 11 points.
The Chameleons will try to bounce back in Ilocos Sur against the unbeaten Petro Gazz Angels.