Aby Maraño and the F2 Logistics. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
Shocking moves in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) momentarily yanked the spotlight from the All-Filipino Conference Finals that kicked off with Game 1 on Thursday, as a team’s disbandment and a coach’s resignation became the subject of a lot of conversations—and social media posts.
Players from F2 Logistics stormed their social accounts with emotional reactions to the team’s announcement that it was disbanding to focus on grassroots sports, ending a fruitful campaign in club competitions that began in 2016.
“This hurts more than a heartbreak,” Cargo Movers captain and vocal leader Aby Maraño wrote in Filipino on her account.
Kianna Dy, who was in Japan with her boyfriend and B.League star Dwight Ramos, shared a picture of her crying after the team made the heartbreaking announcement. She also shared her fondest memories with the team through her Instagram stories. Dawn Macandili, Jolina Dela Cruz, Myla Pablo, Ivy Lacsina, and the Cargo Movers also took to Instagram to express their gratitude to the disbanded club.
Meanwhile, Jorge Souza de Brito stepped down as the head coach of the Akari Chargers, leaving the team after four conferences—and immediately after its most successful one.
“Coach Jorge Souza de Brito has submitted his resignation as head coach of the Akari Chargers to be effective December 15, 2023,” the team wrote. “Akari management has accepted the resignation of Coach Jorge and offer our sincerest appreciation and thank him for his time and service for the 4 conferences he has served as head tactician of this young promising team.”
“We wish coach Jorge the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
Jorge Souza de Brito leaves up his post as Akari coach. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
De Brito was the coach of the Chargers since they joined the PVL in the Reinforced Conference last year, finishing eighth with a 3-5 record led by import Prisilla Rivera.
In his second season, Akari also placed eighth with a 2-6 record in the first All-Filipino Conference, where it paraded new recruits Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Bang Pineda. But the team slid to 10th in the Invitational Conference, winning only one of their five matches in the first tournament of prized recruit Faith Nisperos.
The Chargers, who signed La Salle players Fifi Sharma and Justine Jazareño, had their best PVL start in the second All-Filipino Conference, winning three of their first four games.
Strings of defeat
TYANG ABY 😭
LOOK: Aby Maraño had to hide from everyone as she couldn't help but feel emotional over the disbandment of her club team, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers. | 📸: Aby Maraño/Instagram Story
READ MORE: https://t.co/osDsDUhiFH pic.twitter.com/XJ6Imy4EDD
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) December 14, 2023
But they still missed the semifinal after strings of defeats midway through the tournament, leading to a 5-6 finish in seventh place.
“More announcements will follow soon as to the new direction the Akari Chargers will take moving forward,” the team said.
The day before Akari announced De Brito’s departure, F2 Logistics decided to disband its team, making the announcement on Wednesday evening.
The team’s stars, and coach Regine Diego, are available for other teams to tab.
“To my teammates, wherever the next chapter takes you, I hope that in that chapter, you will be happy,” Maraño wrote.
“I never thought this day would come, but here we are! It was an honor to work in this company and get to play the sport that I love with the sisters I never had. Closing these eight long years that we had together was tough. Really tough.”
“Since day one, you have welcomed us into your family. You built a great support system for us to become better at the sport and healthier for a longer career,” Macandili wrote. “Thank you to the entire coaching staff for your never-ending sacrifices and for all that you taught me. I am who I am because of all of you.”
The PVL acknowledged the withdrawal of F2 Logistics and expressed its gratitude for its contributions to the pro league.
'WE WISH IT WAS, TOO' 🥺
LOOK: Volleyball star Kim Kianna Dy turns sentimental as she issues this post a day after her club team, F2 Logistics, announced its disbandment.
READ MORE: https://t.co/osDsDUhiFH pic.twitter.com/oA81hyUD05
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) December 14, 2023
“Their presence in the league was marked by intense competition, delivering exciting matches and creating countless memories for our fans. We express our gratitude to F2 Logistics for their dedication to the league and Philippine volleyball. Thank you, F2 Logistics, for your significant contribution to the Premier Volleyball League,” read the league’s statement.
F2 Logistics, built under coach Ramil De Jesus’ program in La Salle, entered the volleyball scene seven years ago in the defunct Philippine Superliga and won five championships until 2019.
The Cargo Movers transferred to the PVL in 2021 but skipped the bubble due to several injuries.
The team also won the inaugural Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League after skipping the first PVL pro season.
F2 Logistics also skipped last year’s Invitationals and only played five conferences in the PVL with the bronze medal in the first All-Filipino Conference as its best finish in the league under rookie coach Diego.
After the disbandment, the F2 players and coaches will have to find new teams for the next PVL season.