F2 Logistics gave Farm Fresh a rough welcome, sweeping the new squad, 25-22, 25-20, 25-23, to open its 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference campaign on a high note on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Ivy Lacsina, who now plays as an open spiker, led the Cargo Movers with 13 points, while team captain Aby Maraño chipped in 10 markers to help the team take an early lead in Group B.
After easily winning the first two sets, the Cargo Movers faced a challenge from the Foxies in the third set. They overcame a four-point deficit and tied the game at 23-all with a Zamantha Nolasco ace.
However, Maraño halted Farm Fresh’s comeback hopes with a quick attack to break the deadlock. Jolina Dela Cruz, making her debut, sealed the victory with a successful serve.
“Syempre we are happy na panalo kami but we still have to learn more. We have to make better connections with each other lalo na bago si Marionne [Alba] sa loob ng court so marami pa siyang adjustments,” said F2 Logistics head coach Regine Diego.
“Syempre hindi pa rin ako magsa-stop dahil nanalo kami kasi marami pa rin kaming errors. Marami pang parts na kailangan naming linisin,” she added, as her team tallied 22 errors in the match.
The Foxies initially matched the Cargo Movers’ performance in the first set but the latter managed to pull ahead, leading by as much as six points. However, the new PVL squad closed the gap to three points at 19-22.
Kianna Dy, Lacsina, and Dela Cruz then delivered the finishing blows, giving F2 Logistics a 1-0 lead.
In the second set, the Cargo Movers pulled away late with Dy, Mars Alba, and Ara Galang collaborating for a 3-0 spurt, which gave their side a 20-15 advantage. F2 Logistics maintained their lead and secured a 2-0 advantage.
Dy contributed nine points for the Cargo Movers, while Dela Cruz and Baron added seven points each in the win.
Alba provided 14 excellent sets in her first professional game, while Dawn Macandili collected 11 excellent digs and five excellent receptions.
On the other hand, Gayle Pascual was the only player from Farm Fresh to reach double digits, scoring 10 points. Kate Santiago and Trisa Tubu, in their PVL debut, were held to seven and three points, respectively.
F2 Logistics will face Cignal on Saturday at 6:30 PM. On the other hand, Farm Fresh will look to bounce back against Choco Mucho on Thursday at 4:00 PM, at the same venue.
