F2 Logistics outduels Choco Mucho in five-set PVL marathon thriller

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers just clinched its hardest win of the season so far after surviving the tough challenge from the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 21-25, 25-17, 17-25, 25-21, 18-16, in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference last July 11, 2023, held in the Philsports Arena.

After a back-and-forth affair in the first four sets, both squads had to be separated in the deciding fifth frame filled with high-tension drama and game-changing challenge calls that sparked a huge run for the Cargo Movers.

With Choco Mucho on the verge of winning the game, 14-13, after the referee ruled Kim Kianna Dy’s cross-court kill outside the line, the F2 Logistics coaching staff led by chief mentor Regine Diego bravely used their challenge call after seeing that the Flying Titans committed a net touch error.

The PVL replay committee then reviewed the sequence thoroughly and found out that Choco Mucho indeed touched the net during their block attempt which led to another deadlock at 14-all.

Choco Mucho was quick to get their point back and notch another match-point after Bea De Leon’s powerful hit off a quick 1-2 play.

Just when the Flying Titans thought they already sealed the match for the second-straight time after the referee called Jolina Dela Cruz’s backline spike outside the line, head coach Diego and the rest of the Cargo Movers’ staff once again pulled off a momentum-clinching challenge win to keep them alive in the match.

Diego pulled the trigger after seeing team captain Aby Maraño and Dela Cruz scream that they were confident that a block touch was committed by the Flying Titans.

The Cargo Movers coaching staff then notched its second-straight challenge win to again equalize the nip-and-tuck affair at 15-all.

Sisi Rondina was able to put Choco Mucho ahead by a point after a powerful backline hit but the Cargo Movers stole away their momentum in the next three possessions and kept them scoreless in the last two minutes of the fifth set.

F2’s rookie setter Mars Alba kicked off their majestic rally after a placement tip on the left side of the court.

After the Alba score, Dela Cruz pulled off a stunning service ace that put them up 17-16, reaching the match-point stage after a series of grueling sequences.

Ivy Lacsina then delivered the killer blow for the Cargo Movers built from a well-timed set from veteran Kim Fajardo.

“This win is very important for us kasi syempre Choco Mucho was also one of the top seeds last time. We have to learn from this also and we will keep on going, we can’t stop because it’s not yet done,” said F2’s head coach Diego after the huge victory.

With the win, the Cargo Movers extended its undefeated PVL winning streak to three-straight matches while giving the Flying Titans its first-ever loss in two weeks.