F2 Logistics’ Majoy Baron (10) and Tin Tiamzon (16) blocks DJ Rodriguez (4) of the Cesafi All Stars during Saturday night’s game at the University of San Carlos Gym.
(CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
It only took two games for legendary F2 Logistics Cargo Movers and De La Salle University head coach Ramil De Jesus to be convinced that the future of Cebu volleyball is shining brightly like a diamond.
Although, the Cesafi All-Stars dropped their games against the Cargo Movers losing, 25-21, 25-19, 25-14 on Friday and 25-10, 25-16, 25-15 on Saturday, the 10-time UAAP champion coach De Jesus said that he was impressed with the talent and skills of Cebu players although he noted their lack in height and exposure.
Cesafi’s tallest player who also happens to play for the All-Star team is University of San Carlos middle-blocker Marie Malagar who only stands at 5’9.
“Lack of height sila, so medyo mahirap makita ang ganong problema. Nakikita ko more training, tingin ko yun ang kailangan nilang gawin para mas madevelop at mag-improve pa yung skills nila tsaka yung determination para mas maenhance pa yung level,” De Jesus said. “Siguro more on exposure pa sila, mas maganda siguro kung maikot nila ang whole Philippines.”
Cargo Movers middle-hitter Aby Marano echoed the same observation saying that Cebu’s level of play really improved since they are drawing inspiration from their idols.
“Mataas talaga kumpara nung una. Dati puro basketball talaga, tapos sa labas may naglalaro kaya ngayon ang mga players dito tumataas na din ang level,” Marano said.
Cesafi All-Star head coach Grace Antigua said that their games against the Cargo Movers really helped the players both physically and mentally and she is hoping that they can apply it when they return to their respective schools.
“Self-learning. It’s the application of the learning they got. We only get a chance to play with a Manila team once a year so I always tell the players to give your best because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I hope they can apply it when they return to their respective schools.”
F2 Logistics team owner Efren Uy added that he is hoping to get an invite next year from the league since they aim to strengthen the grassroots program of volleyball not only in Cebu but also all over the country.