PVL: Jolina Dela Cruz attributes best scoring game to F2 Logistics coaches

F2 Logistics’ Jolina Dela Cruz.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — F2 Logistics rookie Jolina Dela Cruz refused to lose to familiar foes led by Trisha Tubu as she played her best scoring game against Farm Fresh in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference.

Dela Cruz joined hands with Ivy Lacsina as both finished with 27 points each and led the Cargo Movers past the Foxies, 28-26, 20-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-8, on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

“Hindi kami pwede matalo kanina kasi knowing na kalaban namin sila nung college at ayaw na rin namin na matalo. Alam din naman namin kung paano gumalaw yung kalaban namin,” said the former La Salle star after escaping the winless but gritty Farm Fresh side, which is composed of former Adamson players.

The do-it-all spiker said she developed her scoring prowess with the help of coach Regine Diego, leading to her best offensive game in her young career.

“Ako po di ko naman ine-expect yung ganung scoring ko kasi dati naman di ko naman siya nagagawa. Siguro na lang with the help of coach Regine and yung mga coaches. Pinapabalik nila yung kumpiyansa namin sa paluan,” she said. “Siguro inisip na rin namin na we need to get back to our winning ways na rin.”

Jolina Dela Cruz and her F2 Logistics teammates.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Although Dela Cruz has been propelling the injury-riddled Cargo Movers for the past games, Diego continues to push her 24-year-old rookie until she reaches her full potential.

“Gusto kong mas ma-push ko pa siya. May mga times na hindi talaga niya maintindihan yung mga gusto niyang ipagawa ko sa kanya. Alam kong magka-clash kami minsan. Pero as long as she keeps on wanting to learn, mas importante yun, kasi di naman laging perfect,” the F2 Logistics coach said. “Sabi ko nga sa kanila, paano ka gagawa ng puntos every time na pangit yung situation. Yun yung nagma-matter. Wala kasing perfect eh. Walang perfect na setup, walang perfect na environment, ganun talaga.”

Dela Cruz, the UAAP Season 85 1st Best Outside Spiker and MVP runner-up, remains eager to help the Cargo Movers, who are in seventh place with a 3-2 record, as they approach the crucial stage of the elimination round.

Diego lauded her wards for showing their character and learning from their mistakes in the absence of Myla Pablo, Kim Fajardo, and Kianna Dy due to injuries.

“At least nare-realize nila how it is pag nagsasayang sila ng points, nare-realize nila na ah kailangan ganito. This team kasi, they need more reminders, they need more guidance, because they’re younger, and that’s part of it. Para siyang part of growing up in the pros,” she said.  “Hopefully, we’ll really learn from that, kasi may mga moments na kami yung nagtatapon ng puntos. Di talaga pwede yun, especially now na naghahabol kami sa wins. Hopefully, hopefully, maintindihan namin yun para next game, maiwan na yung mga bad habits like nagpapahabol sa dulo, wala kaming panapos, kailangan naming matutunan yun.”

F2 Logistics takes on another winless team, Gerflor on Thursday before facing defending champion Creamline on November 14 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.