Fresh from a surprise appearance with De La Salle University in the UAAP the day before, Ramil de Jesus made sure to visit F2 Logistics as well in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference bronze medal match at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
De Jesus joined the coaching staff led by Regine Diego as the Cargo Movers took care of PLDT in four sets, 20-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-17, to inch closer to a third-place finish – their highest in the PVL.
The presence of the 11-time UAAP champion coach, who was seen handing out instructions to his players, definitely pumped up F2 Logistics, who were coming off a tough loss to eventual finalist Creamline in the semifinals.
F2 Logistics team captain Aby Marano and opposite spiker Kianna Dy said that they were dedicating the victory to their longtime head coach, who had been absent from the sidelines due to health reasons.
“Tingin ko, malaking inspiration talaga ‘yun, kasi dine-dedicate namin ‘yung laro para sa kanya. At saka lagi din kaming nire-remind ni coach Regna para kay coach, para kay coach. So ayun, nagampanan naman ng mabuti,” said Marano, who produced 19 points on 14 attacks and five huge rejections.
“Same. Coach Ramil was also actually giving us, like, tips pag nasa labas kami, kung anong gagawin. And ‘yun, he’s just really a big inspiration for all of us, the players, the coaches,” added Dy, who had 20 points on 15 attacks, three blocks, and two aces in the game.
It is still uncertain if De Jesus will be back in the team’s next game. Whatever happens, Marano said that the team must keep their momentum heading into Game Two if they want to secure their spot on the podium.
“Hindi pa rin kami pwedeng mag-relax. Dapat mas agresibo pa kami na makuha, kasi talagang gusto namin eh. So ipapakita namin. I don’t mind kung ano ‘yung points na nabigay ko sa team. Ang importante sa akin, panalo,” said Dy”
