Lindsay Stalzer seen action in the Philippine Superliga long enough to know the rigors brought by the league’s newly-implemented one import per team rule for this 2020 Grand Prix.
“Definitely, [it’s a challenge]. I think, when there are two imports, if one is having an off day, you can rely on the other to kind of pick the other one up,” the 35-year-old outside hitter pointed out when asked of the matter at hand.
“With only one import, there’s a lot of pressure on that one import.”
But the F2 Logistic reinforcement would also be the first to acknowledge that the rule will not burden her. Instead, she believes that her sisters-in-arms can more than make up for the absence of another foreign talent.
“Fortunately for me, I think I have a great backup and a great team behind me, picking me up and pushing me in each game,” the 35-year-old American beamed.
“That’s a big advantage, I think.”
True enough, the Cargo Movers have one of, if not the most well-rounded local crew in the league heading into the season-opening conference.
Despite the absence of Michelle Cobb, Aduke Ogunsanya, and CJ Saga — all of whom are gearing up for La Salle’s campaign in the UAAP Season 82 — there’s no shortage of talent for F2 Logistics.
Marching into battle for the five-time league champion alongside Stalzer are Majoy Baron, Dawn Macandili, Ara Galang, Des Cheng, Alex Cabanos, Mich Morente, Des Clemente and, of course, team captain Aby Maraño.
The 6-foot-1, Illinois-bred internationalist will also get to share the court with Kim Kianna Dy and Kim Fajardo, who were both hounded with injuries a year ago.
She will also have the opportunity to weave her connection with Fil-Hawaiian sensation Kalei Mau, whom F2 Logistics picked up in the wake of UVC’s disbandment following last year’s Grand Prix.
“This year, we have more of an intact lineup. A lot of our injured players are back,” the former league MVP remarked. “So that’s a big boost in our unity and confidence.
“And of course, we’re working harder than ever to get back where we were and hopefully, finish on top this year,” Stalzer — who was at the wrong end of Petron’s crowning moment last season — then continued.
“Of course, we’ve got unfinished business.”
More than anything else, though, Stalzer feels glad to be back in familiar territory.
“This is my seventh season here and I can’t believe it. I am super excited, I love coming back here,” she cheerily said.
“Each season is a new challenge, new opportunity, but of course, the same goal.”
