F2 Logistics head coach Regine Diego credited her coaching staff for playing a huge role in keeping the Cargo Movers’ perfect record intact and drawing them closer to clinching a semifinal seat in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.
Diego praised her deputies’ presence of mind, sharp eyes and hard work on and off the court that played a big role at crunch time in F2 Logistics’ stunning 21-25, 25-17, 17-25, 25-21, 18-16 escape of Choco Mucho in Pool B on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Two crucial challenges late in the extended fifth set and good conditioning that prepared the Cargo Movers for a long exhausting game helped Diego’s squad outlast the Flying Titans in a battle of unbeaten teams for the solo lead.
Diego, the lone female mentor in the 11-team field, was grateful to her coaching staff led by Rodel Canino, father of reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Angel Canino, Kerth Melliza and Gian de Jesus.
She was also thankful for having veteran tacticians Ramil de Jesus, Noel Orcullo and Benson Bocboc by her side to share their wisdom.
“Our coaching staff, actually, has responsibilities. They have their own job inside the court while I’m coaching. I’m just that person standing up but we are working on it (as a team). We talk about it,” Diego said.
“The coaching staff and I always discuss all our rotations. It’s really a teamwork thing. So, kudos to my coaching staff, you guys are the best.”
‘Our coaching staff, actually, has responsibilities.’
F2 Logistics’ think-tanks did their heroics in the game-clinching 7-2 run that saved the team from the jaws of defeat after trailing 11-14.
The eagle-eyed Cargo Movers’ assistant coaches spoiled the Flying Titans’ premature celebration by raising a net touch challenge that overturned the attack error called on Kim Kianna Dy forcing a deuce.
Another successful block touch challenge tied the deciding frame at 15.
F2 Logistics made a gambit of sending in two setters despite being down, 15-16, with Mars Alba quickly converting into a spiker and veteran Kim Fajardo taking point as playmaker caught Choco Mucho off guard and confused. The gamble paid off as the Cargo Movers walked away with victory.
Diego also credited her conditioning coaches for keeping the players in great shape to withstand the sweltering conditions inside the venue packed with 7,067 roaring fans caused by the air conditioning system bogging down.
Choco Mucho lost winger Des Cheng from heat exhaustion in the fourth set while middle Cherry Nunag was taken out of commission late in the fifth due to cramps.
“That fifth set, kudos to Coach Carlo, our conditioning coach and Coach Sonny. Coz if they (players) are not well-conditioned enough we’re not gonna survive that set,” Diego said.
The Cargo Movers after a one-day break go back to action today against Petro Gazz with their eyes fixed on the first semis berth.
