One team less for PVL's pro debut as F2 Logistics withdraws

MANILA, Philippines – The Premier Volleyball League’s first season as a pro would push through as scheduled next week at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena in Laoag with only 10 teams after F2 Logistics begged off Friday due to player injuries and little preparation.

“It is very difficult for management upon consultation with our coaching team, to decide and announce that the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers will not be able to participate in this coming PVL Conference but will definitely join the next one,” said the team in a statement posted on its official Twitter account.

“Please note, just this open conference not the whole season,” it added.

F2 did not specifically mention the injured players but there were reports that Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy and Ara Galang are the players who are hurt.

"Since it has been more than a year of no actual training, old injuries and even new, have surfaced. These injuries are not to be taken lightly and should we push through, these injuries might progress further and could possibly cost the athletic career of some. Our athletes need a little more time to recover," it said.

It also did not help that their top player, Fil-Am Kalei Mau, has yet to return from her stint as an import in the Puerto Rico league.

F2’s decision left Creamline, PLDT, Cignal, Bali Pure, Petro Gazz, Perlas Spikers, Army, Choco Mucho, Sta. Lucia Realty and Chery Tiggo as the 10 who will make history as the league debuts as a pro.

“We are saddened by the withdrawal of F2 Logistics from our first Open Conference,” PVL president Ricky Palou told The STAR. “But we will most certainly welcome them for our next conference.”