F2 Logistics head coach Regine Diego lamented the Cargo Movers’ lack of connection in their Game One loss against Creamline in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Saturday night.
The fourth-ranked F2 Logistics seemed to be on the verge of winning set one from the Cool Smashers after taking a crucial 24-23 lead following Elaine Kasilag’s rejection of Michele Gumabao.
However, Kianna Dy committed a centerline violation before colliding with Ivy Lacsina while receiving. The miscommunication proved too costly; Tots Carlos finished off the opener with an off-the-block hit, giving Creamline an early 1-0 advantage.
“I told them that they can’t stop whenever they want and that they can’t stop connecting with each other. For example, in the first set, they didn’t communicate, right? That has been our problem ever since,” said Diego after the 26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15 loss.
“I’m trying to remind them that it could cost them one game or one set, so they need to continue communicating and connecting with each other because it’s necessary.
“We’re already here – it’s a waste if we don’t give our best. Creamline played well today, and they want it more, so we’ll do our best in the next game.”
The Cool Smashers dominated the second set, unleashing a massive 12-2 rally. However, the Cargo Movers refused to be swept, with Kasilag stepping up to put F2 Logistics on the board. Unfortunately, the Cargo Movers failed to sustain their momentum, and Creamline went on to take Game One – their first over F2 Logistics.
Diego said that the team’s downward trend of energy after winning a set has been a recurring problem for the Cargo Movers since the All-Filipino Conference began.
With the same issue still haunting them, Diego is now racing against time to find a solution that will keep the Cargo Movers in the series.
“It’s part of their trend. It’s their thing, which makes it very hard for us coaches to push them because when they stop, they totally stop. I still have to find the motivation or the things that I should say to wake them up, because it can’t be like that,” Diego revealed.
“In the semifinals, it’s either you give your heart out or nothing. I hope they learn from that because it’s very important. This is not just a random game; this is the semifinals, a different ball game now.”
Nevertheless, Diego acknowledged that Creamline simply wanted the win more today.
“For the longest time, they haven’t been here. Maybe they’re still adjusting, but I don’t want to make excuses. We lost because we didn’t want it as much as Creamline did. That’s the only reason,” opined the youthful mentor.
“It’s not because of injuries or whatever, because all teams are working hard. We lost because it’s our fault. We didn’t play our best today.”
