Jolina Dela Cruz delivered on her promise, lifting F2 Logistics past Choco Mucho in a thrilling five-set affair in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Tuesday night.
A successful net touch challenge by the Cargo Movers coaching staff allowed the team to survive a fifth set, 13-14 deficit. Then Dela Cruz and the rest of F2 Logistics were put to the test once more a few plays later after Bea De Leon cashed in on a quick which put the Flying Titans ahead, 15-14.
Dela Cruz then powered her way through Choco Mucho’s blockers and got a touch after another successful challenge by the F2 Logistics staff. That tied the game once more.
Sisi Rondina answered with a back-row hit to put her side ahead again. Then Dela Cruz, along with Mars Alba and Ivy Lacsina, hammered down the finishing blows that completed the Cargo Movers’ massive comeback.
“Sabi namin buti chinallenge nila coach Reg [Diego] nun. Then sabi namin makuha lang namin yung challenge na ‘to babaliktarin namin yung laro,” said Dela Cruz.
She finished with 11 points and 13 excellent receptions in the 21-25, 25-17, 17-25, 25-21, 18-16 win at the Philsports Arena.
Dela Cruz said that the guidance of the coaching staff, as well as her veteran teammates, allowed her to have the presence of mind she needed to help put away a gutsy Choco Mucho squad in the clutch.
The former La Salle team captain scored five of her 11 points in the fifth set. Meanwhile, Alba – who played as a spiker in the decider – had four points and 18 excellent sets.
“Kami kasi ni Marionne [Alba] sunod lang kami sa kung anong sinasabi ng coaching staff, ni Coach Reg, at ng mga ate. Kahit dikitan yung laro, sobrang nakakapagod, nandoon pa rin yung presence of mind namin na kailangan namin makuha namin ‘tong game na ‘to,” said Dela Cruz on their mindset in the clutch.
Dela Cruz and the Cargo Movers look to bag the first semis berth in Pool B when they clash against the Petro Gazz Angels on Thursday. (Ernest Martin Tuazon)
