Cargo Movers nail semis berth

MANILA, Philippines — After a pair of heartbreaks, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers finally lived up to form and showed they belong with the big guns of the Premier Volleyball League.

Smashing Army Black Mamba into submission with a 25-15, 20-25, 25-20, 25-13 win at the Filoil EcoOil Center yesterday, F2 secured its place in the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals for the first time since joining the league two years ago.

While it wasn’t as easy as most had expected, it gave the Cargo Movers their sixth victory in eight outings and straight to the best-of-three semis where the Creamline Cool Smashers (6-1) and Petro Gazz Angels (5-2) are waiting.

“It’s our first time in the semis for PVL,” said F2 star player Kianna Dy, who exploded with 22 points including 18 on kills. “We still have to work hard. Bakbakan na sa semis.”

The franchise, a multiple champion in another other league it has graced before, entered the PVL two years ago but decided to skip the Bacarra, Ilocos Norte bubble that same year.

When it finally joined the Open Conference, the precursor to the All-Filipino Conference, F2 managed a sixth-place finish.

It skipped the Invitational then competed again in the Reinforced Conference where it improved a rung at No. 5.

Then the Cargo Movers decided it’s enough.

“I’m happy dahil I’m part of the organization and nakalista na siya sa history ng PVL,” said F2 coach Regine Diego.

F2 did it minus Myla Pablo, who was given a rest day.

Stepping up biggest in the absence of their top spiker was Elaine Kasilag, who unloaded 10 hits, most of which came in the final two sets when the Cargo Movers sent the Lady Troopers to their seventh straight setback.

Ivy Lacsina also came through as she and Majoy Baron chipped in nine hits apiece.

In the nightcap, PLDT dropped Cignal, 25-23, 25-23, 25-14, to stay in semis contention with a 5-2 card.

The HD Spikers fell to 2-5.

Army, spearheaded by Honey Royse Tubino and Lutgarda Malaluan, though didn’t go down without a fight as it stole a set – the second – when nobody expected it to.

Instead of being shaken, F2 took it as a challenge and secured their best finish in the league so far.