The Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference has kicked off with a promising start for F2 Logistics. Notching back-to-back victories, the team led by head coach Regine Diego has demonstrated their prowess on the court.
However, despite their early success, Diego acknowledges the need for improvement and a faster process of team cohesion, especially with the inclusion of three talented rookies.
In their first two games, Mars Alba and Jolina Dela Cruz stepped onto the court as starters, while Jov Fernandez consistently showcased her skills coming off the bench. The infusion of young talent has injected fresh energy into the team.
Although their performances have been commendable, minor miscommunications have surfaced, highlighting the necessity of further collaboration and understanding among the players.
Gratefully, F2 Logistics now has a unique opportunity to fine-tune their teamwork during the nine-day break, which coincides with the Volleyball Nations League being held in the Philippines. This break serves as a perfect occasion to enhance their cohesion without compromising their win-loss record. It grants them valuable time to address their areas of improvement and build a stronger foundation for the upcoming matches.
Diego emphasized, "We have so many things to learn, we have so many things to adjust. We have to jell more because there are new ones inside the court, and the leadership needs to be strengthened. We still have plenty of adjustments to make because we're not like other teams that have had a settled First Six from the start.
"Almost half of our team consists of newcomers. I'm happy that I have a lot of options now, but we must ensure that they jell together and know what to do every time, as our lapses occur due to a lack of connection."
The trio of rookies has undoubtedly made a positive impact on the team's performance. Alba and Dela Cruz have displayed their talents in the starting lineup, while Fernandez has provided a valuable spark coming off the bench. Nonetheless, the team acknowledges the need to fine-tune their coordination to eliminate any lingering miscommunications.
With a current record of 2-0, the Cargo Movers find themselves tied for first place in Pool B alongside Choco Much. However, they still have three more games to play before the semifinals.
When the action resumes on July 11, F2 Logistics will face off against the Flying Titans, determined to break the tie and secure their position atop the standings. Each match carries immense significance, underscoring the team's urgency to address their weaknesses during the break.
Speaking about the upcoming challenges, Kianna Dy, the team's scoring leader in the last All-Filipino Conference, stressed the importance of improvement across all aspects of their game. Only the top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals, further intensifying the need for consistent growth and exceptional performances.
"We have to prepare for the next match because every game is crucial for us, and this break should help us rectify the mistakes from this game and the last game," said Dy, who showcased her skills with an impressive 23-point performance against the HD Spikers.
Dy also expressed her gratitude for the valuable contributions of the rookies, acknowledging their positive impact on the team's dynamics.
"It's great for us because this tournament is short, and every game counts. With matches being played in close succession, immediate adjustments are crucial," added Dy.
