When the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League opens its curtains on November 20, it will be the first time F2 Logistics steps on the Taraflex for an official competition in 627 days.
And a lot has changed since then.
Take for example 2019 PSL All-Filipino Conference Most Valuable Player Kalei Mau. The 26-year-old Fil-Hawaiian played in Puerto Rican club Changos de Naranjito.
Photo from SMM Volleyball
“When I was there in Puerto Rico, they relied on me to pass. The thing I’m bringing to F2 is a more solid recieve and blocking because it is something I have struggled with here in the Philippines,” the 6-foot-2 outside hitter told The Game. “I always had to go all the way up. In Puerto Rico, I was able to get back to my own blocking style.
“Now that I’m back, I’m able to implement the timing and the positioning. That’s one of my best improvements this year.”
On the other hand, Majoy Baron and Kim Dy were only able to get back during the 2021 Asian Women’s Club Championship when they played for Rebisco.
“Since yun yung first tournament namin, it gave us confidence again,” admitted the 26-year-old Baron.
“May doubts kasi na pumasok kung kaya pa namin mag-volleyball.”
And when they got back to Manila, having the Cargo Movers band back together felt so good for the trio.
Finally, they were back home.
“Feels like home and everyone is working hard,” expressed Baron.
“It feels so good. Honestly, it feels like we haven’t missed a beat,” added Mau. “Fun for me to come back into the environment and see how much my teammates have changed and grown.
“It has been very uplifting to be back on the court and working hard with my teammates.”
F2 Logistics though only has a month to prepare for the six-team national tournament.
That is why head coach Ramil de Jesus had to resort to twice-a-day trainings in their bubble training in Lipa, Batangas.
“There’s a lot of things we are doing differently since our training in La Salle,” said Mau. “We are just maximizing the time we are given. Knowing coach, there’s no such thing as being overprepared. We have twice-a-day training. It’s our responsibility to get the recovery in between those times because coach expects us to be 100-percent every time.
“It’s a lot of pressure but that’s how champions are made.”
Come the tournament that also has Perlas, Chery Tiggo, Petro Gazz, California Precision Sports, and Baguio competing in it, Dy knows that all eyes will be on them.
But for them, they will just enjoy the moment now that they can finally play again as one team.
“We haven’t played together in like two years,” the 26-year-old Dy said. “It’s going be the first tournament we are playing in.
“We are just excited to be playing again and facing teams that we haven’t faced before.”
