Any loss, much more a sweep, stings harder in this shorter-than-usual conference.
Aby Maraño is bringing out her veteran wisdom as the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers face a tough situation in the PVL Invitational Conference semifinals.
The Cargo Movers have dropped their last two games since advancing to the semis. First, a five-setter against league-leading Creamline Cool Smashers, followed by Saturday’s loss—a sweep—at the hands of the PLDT High Speed Hitters at the PhilSports Arena.
Some fans, to say the least, are taking the beatdown by PLDT hard, but the F2 Logistics team captain is keeping the faith.
“Ang makakapagsabi lang sayo na “Hindi ka mananalo” ay ‘yung sarili mo at hindi mo kailangan makinig,” said Maraño in an Instagram post on Saturday.
“Tuloy lang hanggang dulo—kasama kayo,” she added, most likely pertaining to the supporters of the yellow-clad squad.
Rookie Jolina dela Cruz took a page out of her ate Aby’s book, writing a motivational Instagram post of her own, and also further underscoring the camaraderie among the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference third placers.
“Always looking at the brighter side. Kakapit sa isa’t isa,” dela Cruz wrote.
They will indeed have to rely on each other even harder, as the climb to a possible finals berth becomes steeper for F2.
Another layer to that challenge: they will face the two foreign teams next. On July 25, they will go against Japan’s Kurashiki Ablaze, which recently handed Vietnam’s Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh a loss.
On July 28, the Cargo Movers will face the Vietnamese squad.
Suffice to say, they need to finish the job this time around if they hope to advance to the last dance.