Jolina dela Cruz (center) from F2 Logistics. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Jolina Dela Cruz played like it was her last game and scored 30 points on Thursday, but her career-best performance still wasn’t enough as F2 Logistics suffered its second straight loss and dropped to seventh place in the Premier Volleyball League 2023 (PVL ) 2nd All-Filipino Conference.
After Cargo Movers’ frustrating loss to Creamline two days ago, Dela Cruz heeded coach Regine Diego’s call to treat all remaining matches as the last before the team enters the crucial phase of the qualifying round.
Dela Cruz had 28 kills, one block and an ace, but it was all in vain as Cargo Movers still fell short to defeat Cignal HD Spikers 23-25, 25-22, 24-26, 24-26 on Thursday.
“I just remembered what Coach Reg told us before the game. He wants us to think of this match as the last one and play with all our strength because our position in the table is uncertain. We don’t know if we can make it to the top four,” Dela Cruz said in Filipino.
“In my opinion, this match was very important for us and we have to win. But we failed,” she added.
Despite a 4-4 draw, the Cargo Movers still have three games to improve their chances in the semi-finals.
“We were leading and were the first to reach 22, 23 or 24 points, but Cignal was able to catch up and win the set. It’s a lesson for us that we need finishing touches,” said the former La Salle star. “Our coaches gave us everything we needed to do. For our part, we must take responsibility for what happens to our team.
F2 Logistics fights Choco Mucho on Tuesday next week at the Philsports Arena before concluding their qualifying campaign against Chery Tiggo on November 25 and PLDT on November 30.
Dela Cruz vows to fight until the end.
“We will keep playing. We have to continue to show good form despite the defeats. It’s a professional league, so we have to be professional too,” she said.
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