Cargo Movers, High Speed Hitters smother hapless young rivals

F2 celebrates a point and wins convincingly. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ

ANTIPOLO—Ivy Lacsina is embracing the challenge playing in a position she likes the least, and F2 played up to the tag as a title favorite in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.

“I admit that I don’t like to play as an opposite hitter. But who am I to choose a position?” Lacsina asked in Filipino after finishing with 19 points in leading the Cargo Movers to a 25-20, 25-14, 25-16 win over Nxled at Ynares Center here on Tuesday.

“Whatever role is given to me, I have to embrace it because it’s what our team needs,” Lacsina, who played the outside and opposite spiker positions in a five-set loss to Akari last week where she scored a career-high 26 points, said.

F2 coach Regine Diego, whose team improved to a 1-1 before their next out-of-town game against Galeries on Saturday in Candon, Ilocos Sur, praised Lacsina’s willingness to adapt for the benefit of the team.“Ivy added big value to herself as a player because she can play any position,” Diego said. “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.”

Nxled dropped into a tie with the Cargo Movers as Japanese coach Taka Minowa took a first loss in the PVL. The Chameleons only had Lycha Ebon in twin digits with 11 points.

Meanwhile, Savannah Davison was again big offensively in leading PLDT to a 25-17, 25-17, 25-20 win over the winless Farm Fresh as the High Speed Hitters won a second straight game while accepting who their new top gun is.

Davison poured in 18 points built on 13 kills, three aces and two blocks as the High Speed Hitters improved to a 2-1 record at solo fourth place after beating the Foxies in just 70 minutes.

“Savie is the kind of teammate who is easy to get along with. She is so nice and we both find ways to make [the necessary] adjustments so we can connect well,” said setter Rhea Dimaculangan in Filipino after dishing out 10 excellent sets.

“Our team also improved our lapses from the first game and I think Savie is slowly getting the system of coach and the team.”

The 24-year-old Davison, who also had eight excellent receptions and seven digs, shared that she always makes sure to communicate with Dimaculangan to work on their connection. INQ