F2 Logistics put an end to its three-game losing streak by defeating the foreign team Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh with scores of 23-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-20, securing a spot in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference bronze medal match. The intense match took place on Friday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Leading the charge for F2 Logistics were Majoy Baron and Myla Pablo, both scoring an impressive 20 points each. Their outstanding performance helped the Cargo Movers secure a spot in the bronze medal match against Cignal.
Having secured the first seat in the battle for third place, the HD Spikers collected a total of seven points after their straight-sets win over the Vietnamese team the day before. PLDT, also boasting a 2-3 record, settled for fifth place with six points.
F2 Logistics head coach Regine Diego expressed her team’s struggles, especially with the challenges of consecutive losses and Kianna Dy’s injury. However, the team found joy and determination in their recent victory, making it back to the semifinals.
“It’s been very hard for the team. Syempre, we’ve been through losses after losses. It was very hard since also Kianna [Dy] has been injured. It was hard para buhayin sila but we are very happy na again, we are back here,” said F2 Logistics head coach Regine Diego.
“We are back in the semifinals. I wish maging mas okay kami sa next game and I just want these girls to be healthy and they enjoy the game all the time,” she added.
The Vietnamese squad gave a tough fight, threatening to push the series into a fifth set. However, F2 Logistics rallied, with Baron contributing three points in a critical 4-1 surge that gave the Cargo Movers a 22-19 advantage. The team then clinched the victory with Ivy Lacsina and Aby Marano delivering three consecutive points.
Marano, with 18 points highlighted by five blocks, and Lacsina, with 15 markers, were instrumental in securing the win. Dawn Macandili’s outstanding digs and receptions, along with Mars Alba’s exceptional setting, added to the team’s stellar performance.
For Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh, Huong led with 19 points, while Le Xuan and Phan My contributed 15 and 11 points, respectively. Despite their efforts, the Vietnam-based team finished last with a 0-5 record, winning only two sets in their semifinal campaign.
The bronze medal match between F2 Logistics and Cignal is scheduled for Sunday at 4:00 p.m., taking place at the same venue, the Philsports Arena. Both teams will undoubtedly give their all in this highly anticipated showdown to claim the third-place position in the prestigious volleyball tournament.
