Morente formally joins F2 in PSL

MANILA, Philippines — Michelle Morente eyes an explosive rookie season as she formally joins F2 Logistics in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix.

 

A former star at Ateneo de Manila University, Morente pulled off a shocker when she transferred to De La Salle University before taking another leap of faith by joining the Cargo Movers in the country’s most prestigious league.

 

Last year, the Cargo Movers turned doubters into believers.

 

Four national team members in Kim Fajardo, Dawn Macandili, Kianna Dy and Aby Marano were at the helm as well as two powerful imports in Kennedy Bryan of United States and Maria Jose Perez of Venezuela.

 

They coasted through the Grand Prix as they won all but one game in the eliminations. In the quarterfinals, they easily got rid of newbie Iriga City before clobbering Cocolife in the semifinals to punch a ticket to the best-of-three finals.

 

But a powerful in Petron was blocking the way.

 

Led by seasoned import Lindsay Stalzer and Hillary Hurley, the Blaze Spikers took Game 1 before racking to a sizzling start in Game 2.

 

With the Blaze Spikers way ahead, 9-0, in the second set, F2 Logistics coach Ramil de Jesus crafted a brilliant idea on how to steal the victory: He switched Bryan to the opposite while fielding in veteran Cha Cruz to the open spiker slot to back Perez.

 

The gamble paid a handsome reward as the Cargo Movers went on a rampage to win Game 2, giving them enough momentum to dominate Game 3 and win their second title in the country’s most prestigious women’s club league.

 

This year will be an entirely different story.

 

The La Salle stalwarts were gone while other teams like Cocolife, Generika-Ayala and Cignal made drastic buildup in the off-season.

 

Although Bryan and Perez will be returning as well as Fajardo, Marano and Ara Galang, there’s still a gaping hole at the opposite that the Cargo Movers need to fill.

 

And Morente is ready to provide the answer.

 

“F2 Logistics is known to be one of the cargo and logistics giants in the country,” said the prized opposite spiker. “I believe that the team will give me the opportunity to become the person I want to be in the future, especially in academics and sports.”

 

Morente added that suiting up for F2 Logistics would also give her the chance to blossom not only inside the volleyball court, but also outside of it.

 

In fact, F2 Logistics CEO Efren Uy is digging deep into his pocket to pay for her education at La Salle as part of the corporate’s social responsibility, something which is a very big help to her and her family as well.

 

“Only few people get the opportunity to experience the support of the employees and management of F2 Logistics,” she said.

 

“I’m happy to see the supporters in eye-catching yellow shirts cheering the team. Also, F2 (Logistics), through Sir Efren sponsors my scholarship as part of its corporate social responsibility to student-athletes.”

 

Morente admitted that playing in the PSL for the first time gives her jitters.

 

Aside from getting a golden chance to compete against the best local players, she would also get a taste of topnotch action with the presence of the imports, something which she can use when she suits up for the Lady Spikers next year.

 

She said the Cargo Movers remain strong, but it doesn’t mean that they would easily win the title.

 

They still have to work for it.

 

“I’m looking forward to this conference,” she said.

 

“I have learned and is still learning a lot of things. I know that this is a long series and also very exciting. Expect me to give my all to defend our title.”