As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.
The F2 Logistics lorded over the 2019 PSL All-Filipino Conference for almost two months. But on Thursday, the Cargo Movers found themselves on the losing end for the first time in 12 games after suffering a shock defeat to arch-rival Petron.
Though they may have seen their unbeaten streak come to a screeching halt, F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus believes that the loss will only make his squad a better team.
“Okay lang yan, dapat daanan yan hindi yung puro panalo,” the decorated tactician said.
“Mahirap din yung puro panalo ka kasi wala ka na dapat i-improve pa at i-correct sa sarili habang nagte-training ka.”
Still, the Cargo Movers suffered quite a beatdown at the hands of the Blaze Spikers.
Holding a two-sets-to-none buffer, the F2 Logistics was on the verge of sweeping the season series against Petron. However, the defending champion, through the collective efforts of its battle-tested roster, displayed composure and slowly whittled the deficit.
Having forged a decisive fifth set, the Blaze Spikers then rode on their blistering momentum. They handed the shell-shocked Cargo Movers a 10-0 whipping that paved the way for Petron’s come-from-behind victory.
When asked whether complacency played a part in the meltdown, De Jesus said that their own miscues resulted to their demise.
“Hindi naman [naging complacent]. Alam naman natin kung ano yung naging lapses ng team so kailangan namin i-work out,” he opined.
He also did not shy away from tipping his hat to the Blaze Spikers, who now sit atop the standings with a 12-1 card.
“Nakapitan din naman ng Petron yung ginawa kanina. Mas ginusto ng Petron kanina,” the La Salle mentor added.
“Determinado talaga yung Petron.”
Moreover, the Cargo Movers dropped to an 11-1 slate and have lost grip of pole position — a position they held for the majority of the preliminary round.
Still, De Jesus is just glad that their first loss came in their preliminary campaign, and not at a time where a defeat could result in elimination.
“Mas magandang ngayon [kami natalo] na kesa sa susunod pa baka mamaya abutin pa kami sa quarterfinals na ma-experience to ang bigat lalo sa ‘tin.”
