Philippine volleyball fans’ fantasy matchups will have to wait just a bit longer.
The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers pulled out from the upcoming Premier Volleyball League Open Conference, citing lack of training and injuries.
This development comes after the league was given the green light by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) to hold a bubble conference starting July 17 in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.
“Our system has always been known to compete with the highest level of readiness as possible. Though we have requested for a little extension, we highly respect the decision of the league to push through,” the team said in a statement on Friday, July 9.
“This league deserves a better version of our team. We will work harder to achieve that for the next conference.”
The team, widely known as one of the most decorated teams in the now-inactive Philippine Super Liga (PSL), also detailed their apparent logistical struggles to set up a training bubble in the midst of the pandemic, which was compounded by “old and even new” injuries surfacing from their players.
The Cargo Movers, mentored by multi-titled head coach Ramil de Jesus, are bannered by La Salle stars and national team mainstays Kim Fajardo, Dawn Macandili, Majoy Baron, and captain Aby Maraño.
With the Cargo Movers winning five titles in the PSL, fans were looking forward to their matchup against three-time PVL champions Creamline Cool Smashers led by former Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez.
F2 noted other “challenges” present due to their stars, including recently eligible Fil-Am star Kalei Mau, being called for national team duties at the same time with PVL preparations.
The team, however, still promised to support their own national team players’ training despite pulling out from the Open Conference for good.
“It is not a ‘No’ for us, but a ‘Not Yet,’” the statement continued. “We will not only continue practicing but moreover, train harder and achieve a higher level of conditioning. See you soon!”