Nowhere to go but up for the Cargo Movers.
The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers nailed their best-ever finish in the PVL on Tuesday, securing the bronze with a hard-fought 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-15 win over PLDT High Speed Hitters at the Mall of Asia Arena.
And, like star setter Kim Fajardo, F2 Logistics outside hitter Ara Galang considers the podium finish special, jokingly telling the press post-game that “bronze is the new gold.”
But, seriously, there is a sense of fulfillment within the Cargo Movers camp with winning this bronze, according to Galang, even if the team fell short of the grand prize.
“Syempre masaya. Masarap lang sa pakiramdam kasi podium finish 'yun, although hindi ‘yung main goal namin,” Galang said. “Pero at least, one step closer kami.”
Well, the Cargo Movers are two steps away from the ultimate goal. But, whatever. They are improving, and that is a big deal for Galang. It gives her and the team something to build towards the future.
“One conference at a time naman kami,” Galang pointed out. “This conference nag-improve kami, so tutuloy-tuloy lang kami, hindi kami titigil.”
There is plenty to build on for these Cargo Movers. The talent is obviously there, with Galang joined by some of the league’s brightest stars, like Fajardo, Myla Pablo, and Kim Kianna Dy. And that cast showed in this conference it can hang with the PVL’s preeminent team, the Creamline Cool Smashers, whose only loss in the elimination round was to Galang’s squad.
Now, it is on to the next one for these Cargo Movers. And, according to Galang, they are looking to win the grand prize the soonest possible time.
“Pipilitin namin makuha ‘yung goal namin next conference,” she said.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada, One Sports Digital)