Clemente shipped to F2 Cargo Movers

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion F2 Logistics acquired another solid defender when it tapped Lourdes Clemente for the Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix starting Feb. 17.

 

Multiple sources revealed that Clemente already reached an agreement with the Cargo Movers, but she will formally join the squad right after her tour of duty with University of Perpetual Help Dalta System in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

 

Clemente would be a major help to the Cargo Movers, who will be missing the services of Majoy Baron, Dawn Macandili, Kianna Dy and other members of De La Salle University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

 

She would be joining Aby Marano at the net while import Kennedy Bryan of the United States will man the opposite and Jose Maria Perez of Venezuela and the returning Ara Galang will take charge in the open spiker role.

 

National team member Kim Fajardo, of course, will remain as the chief playmaker while Japanese libero Minami Yoshioka will serve as backline defender.

 

“Lourdes already came to terms with F2 Logistics for the PSL Grand Prix. But since the NCAA is still ongoing, the club would have to wait until she’s finally available,” said a source, who is very familiar with the situation.

 

With other teams overhauling their respective rosters, Clemente’s arrival can be a major factor in the Cargo Movers’ bid to retain their title.

 

A wiry 6-foot-2 middle blocker, Clemente is considered as one of the country’s rising volleyball stars.

 

She, in fact, was part of the national team that campaigned in the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Championship in China in 2015 and the PSL All-Star squad that saw action in the AVC Asian Club Women’s Championship in Kazakhstan last year.

 

Under a defense-minded mentor in Ramil de Jesus of F2 Logistics, sideliners believe that her full potential will be unleashed.

 

“We know that coach Ramil is good at developing middle blockers,” said the source, noting that it was de Jesus who turned Maureen Penetrante-Ouano, Jacqueline Alarca, Desiree Hernandez, Marano and Baron into elite blockers and Most Valuable Players in the UAAP.

 

“That’s why F2 Logistics is so excited having Lourdes on the team. With her height, skills and international experience, we’re sure that she will blossom under the system of coach Ramil.”

 

Philstar tried, but couldn’t be reached F2 Logistics team manager Hollie Reyes for comment.