F2 Logistics’ Jolina dela Cruz (middle). –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Jolina Dela Cruz played like it was her last and poured 30 points on Thursday but her career-best still wasn’t enough as F2 Logistics absorbed its second straight loss to drop to seventh place in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference.
After the Cargo Movers’ frustrating straight-set loss to Creamline two days ago, Dela Cruz heeded coach Regine Diego’s call to treat all the remaining games as their last as they enter the crucial stage of the elimination round.
Dela Cruz poured in 28 kills, one block, and an ace but it all was for naught as Cargo Movers still fell short to the Cignal HD Spikers, 23-25, 25-22, 24-26, 24-26, on Thursday.
“I just remembered what coach Reg told us before the game. She wants us to think of this game as our last and play all out because we’re in a precarious situation with our standings. We don’t know if we’ll make it to the top four,” said Dela Cruz in Filipino.
“My mindset was this game was so important to us and we have to win. But we fell short,” she added.
Despite reeling to a 4-4 record, the Cargo Movers have three more games to boost their semifinal chances.
“We were leading and first to reach 22, 23, or 24 but Cignal was able to catch up and win the set. It’s a lesson for us that we need finishing touches,” the former La Salle star said. “Our coaches have been providing us what we need to do. On our part, we need to take accountability for what’s happening to our team.”
F2 Logistics battles Choco Mucho on Tuesday next week at Philsports Arena before wrapping up its elimination campaign against Chery Tiggo on November 25 and PLDT on November 30.
Dela Cruz vows to keep on fighting until the end.
“We will keep on playing. We need to continue to show up despite our losses. This is a professional league so we need to be professional, too,” she said.