Unlike the many classics between the two teams in their previous PSL Finals meetings, Game One of the 2018 Chooks to Go All-Filipino Conference was far from the regular F2 Logistics-Petron affair.
The Cargo Movers seemed ready to erase Petron’s 12-game winning streak with a strong start, but Petron quickly found their spark and stole the opening set. The second frame had F2 Logistics shuffle players to no avail, leaving Petron with another easy win.
Another promising Cargo Movers start in the third frame went for naught. Petron took over and inched closer to a fifth PSL title.
F2 Logistics were visibly dejected with their showing in the league’s biggest stage, with most of them begging off from interviews. But while he was upset with their poor showing, head coach Ramil De Jesus fully understood his team’s situation.
For much of the All-Filipino Cup, De Jesus has had to coach around several player injuries. The most notable absence was starting opposite hitter Kianna Dy, who missed much of the conference due to ligament damage in her right knee.
There have also been several other lingering injuries up and down F2 Logistics’ roster, such as starter Kim Fajardo’s hyper-extended right knee, which was heavily bandaged in Game One.
Aside from the physical pain from working through these injuries, the Cargo Movers’ main struggle has been hurdling the mental walls formed by these ailments.
“Mahirap kasi maglaro kapag may iniinda ka sa katawan, tapos alam mo na hindi one-hundred percent ‘yung condition mo. Malaking factor ‘yun sa psychological,” said three-time PSL champion coach De Jesus.
“Iniisip nila (Cargo Movers) na hindi nila mabibigay ‘yung best ko kasi hindi ako ‘yung one-hundred percent healthy na ako. ‘Yun ang inaalis ko sa kanila. Mahirap alisin kasi nga sila ‘yung nakakaramdam ng nga sakit na ganoon.”
Although he sympathizes with his players, De Jesus remains dissatisfied with their performance. He emphasizes the need to lessen their errors, since they gave up a season-high 27 in Game One.
As one of the winningest coaches in local sports, De Jesus knows that a series can swing with just one good performance.
“Sabi ko sa kanila dapat sa Game Two kailangan na macha-challenge ‘yung kalaban. Hindi puwede ganoon na mananalo sila na walang kachallenge-challenge. Kahit pannoorin eh, nakakatamad din,” De Jesus said.
“Sa umpisa naman kita na nandoon ‘yung galaw. ‘Yung mga unforced errors namin ‘yung pumpatay. Ang nangyayari, nagse-serve lang ‘yung Petron, ang dami na naming pagkakamali. Kailangan mabawasan ‘yun.”
