American Lindsay Stalzer returns to F2 Logistics to settle an unfinished business as the Cargo Movers march into battle in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference set to begin on Saturday.
The returning reinforcement waited three long years for another crack at carrying F2 Logistics to glory, this time in the country’s first and only professional women’s volleyball league.
Stalzer’s last stint with the Cargo Movers was in 2020 in the defunct Philippine Superliga with F2 Logistics raring for another title shot after losing to Petron the year before.
But her return was cut short as the league was forced to cancel the tournament at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020.
Now back, albeit on a different battlefield, Stalzer is all fired up to complete her mission.
“The last time I was here at F2, our season got cut short. I was very confident that we were gonna do well that season,” the 38-year-old outside hitter and team captain said.
“So it feels like there’s a little bit that’s left undone and I’m here to finish that,” Stalzer added.
Stalzer and the Cargo Movers open their campaign on 11 October against a familiar foe in Chery Tiggo at the Philsports Arena.
As the lone returnee among the imports in the nine-team field, the 6-foot-1 spiker will have the advantage of familiarity with the system and established chemistry with her teammates.
“Definitely. I think it is always an advantage when you know the situation you’re getting into, you know how the league works, the style of play,” she said.
“You just know what to expect coming in so I think that’s a huge advantage and we can take advantage of that.”
Stalzer is now on her eighth season as an import in the Philippines.
She first suited up for Cignal in 2014, then won back-to-back titles with Foton (now Chery Tiggo) in 2015 and 2016, before joining Petron where she won a title and a Most Valuable Player award in 2018.
The Cargo Movers tapped her services in 2019.
Stalzer will rejoin a crack crew led by returning Kalei Mau, Majoy Baron, Kim Kianna Dy, Ara Galang, Kim Fajardo and Dawn Macandili, which makes the Cargo Movers one of the favorites despite a dismal sixth-place finish in the Open Conference.
“Yeah, I would have to agree. We’ve got a lot going for us, especially with Kalei Mau and a bunch of returnees. I’m excited to play with Kim Fajardo again,” Stalzer said.
She will also get a chance to play alongside some new F2 Logistics additions including promising young middle Ivy Lacsina.
“There are a few new faces but they adapted very well to us, the culture of F2. I love my teammates Kalei and all the other returning players, they’re really good at bringing out the best in the new girls.” Stalzer said.
“I’m proud of this team already for the work we put in,” she added.
“Now, we’re ready for the season to start and show what we’re ready to do.”
Stalzer also expressed excitement in competing against teams that she has not faced before like the star-studded Creamline, Choco Mucho, Petro Gazz and Akari.
“I’m excited about the new challenge but just ready to take on that challenge,” she said.
