Ivy Lacsina's versatility was put to the test in F2 Logistics' recent victory over Army-Black Mamba in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
Despite playing in a different position, the 6-foot-1 National University product stepped up and helped secure the Cargo Movers' spot in the semifinals for the first time since joining the league in 2021.
Cargo Movers head coach Regine Diego opted to sit out Myla Pablo, who suffered from cramps in the team's previous win against Choco Mucho. To fill the gap, Diego inserted middle blocker Majoy Baron to the starting lineup, while also sliding Lacsina to the open hitter role.
Lacsina only played the first two sets, but still managed to finish with nine points. It was a steady performance from someone who returned to her old position for the first time after several years.
"Actually, this is not the first time that she has been my player. When I was with her in NU, we used her as an outside hitter before, so I know that she knows how to play the position," Diego shared after the game.
The win over Army-Black Mamba was not an easy one, but Lacsina was up for the challenge.
"It's okay with me that I went through this because ever since I started, even in UAAP, it's been like this. So I wasn't really struggling that much, but of course there were still challenges like in passing, but I know that my older teammates and coach will help me," Lacsina said.
The coaching staff has yet to decide if the change in position will be permanent, but Lacsina is ready for whatever lies ahead. "Konti pa, we have to train more. Meron pa naman kaming time to adjust and hopefully lahat ng mapractice namin mag-payoff sa semifinals," shared Diego.
For Lacsina and the rest of the Cargo Movers, the victory was a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport.
"I'm also super happy because the team really worked hard, especially with the many adjustments that happened throughout our process, and we won't stop working until we achieve our goal," Lacsina said.
As the team gears up for the semifinals, fans can only hope that Lacsina's versatility will continue to shine and help lead the Cargo Movers to their first championship in the league.
