Hunger and desire will be major factors when Petron and F2 Logistics clash in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference best-of-three finals duel starting tomorrow (Saturday) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Cargo Movers’ head coach Ramil de Jesus admitted that their chances of regaining the crown all depends on their willingness to win in this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled by Asics, Isuzu, Mikasa, Senoh, Mueller, UCPB Gen and Bizooku with Genius Sports as technical provider.
F2 Logistics has all the reasons to go all-out in this series that also has ESPN5, Hyper HD and Aksyon TV as broadcast partners.
The Cargo Movers used to be the All-Filipino champions until the Blaze Spikers dethroned them following the recruitment of star blocker Mika Reyes, Remy Palma, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons.
That setback sparked what is billed as the fiercest and most bitter rivalry in Philippine volleyball with both teams clashing in the next four titular showdowns, including the dramatic encounter in the 2017 Grand Prix where Venezuelan import Maria Jose Perez competed in Game 2 despite the death of her brother.
“Just like before, winning in the finals all depends on their willingness and desire,” said de Jesus, who is tipped to be seriously challenged by fellow Far Eastern University alum in Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos in their chess match at the sidelines.
“Hopefully, they would want it more. They worked hard to get into the finals. They should do everything to finish the job.”
De Jesus knows that bringing down Petron is like scaling a mountain.
Aside from his former player in Reyes, the Blaze Spikers also have veterans Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Ging Balse-Pabayo and Rhea Dimaculangan as well as attackers Frances Molina, Chloe Cortez, Rondina, Pons and Carmela Tunay.
“Having a deep rotation has been the major advantage of Petron,” said de Jesus, who will bank on national team stalwarts Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, Aby Marano, Majoy Baron and Cha Cruz.
“At this point, I have very limited personnel. But inside the court, both of us will have only six players. So it really depends on how willing and how hungry we are to win the crown.”
Delos Santos agreed with de Jesus, but stressed that the pressure is on them after banging 12 consecutive wins to move two wins shy of sweeping the conference.
“Of course, the pressure is there,” said Delos Santos, adding that de Jesus is a brilliant strategist who could easily really his team to plot a furious fightback.
“But I’m telling the team that this is already the championship. Whatever happened before doesn’t matter anymore. We should go into the series with a fresh mindset with our eyes set on our goal.”
“This finals series is a different story. It all boils down to who will play with a bigger heart.”‹