DE LA SALLE stakes its unbeaten record against an Adamson University side that pushed the league leaders to the limit in the first round today (Saturday) in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Lady Spikers went perfect in the first round but were tested by the Lady Falcons in a 19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 13-25, 15-5 victory last March 11.
“During our match, siguro talagang galing sila sa maganda na panalo, so high morale sila. And then, talagang maganda naman ‘yung linaro nila nung game nila against UST. Then pagdating sa amin, medyo slow start kami,” La Salle coach Ramil de Jesus said.
“Siguro, dumating lang ‘yung point na napagod sila nu’ng third set at fourth set tsaka fifth set. ‘Yon lang siguro naging advantage namin at nakapag-focus kami pagdating ng fifth set. Laking factor na malaki na ‘yung lamang namin before kami makareach ng 15 points. ‘Yon siguro ‘yung naging factor dahil maaga kaming nakalayo sa kanila sa fifth set,” the 12-time UAAP champion added.
The Lady Spikers are hoping for a stronger showing this time to extend their perfect run to eight matches in the 3 p.m. clash.
Adamson, at 4-3, posted its finest first-round showing since Season 87 (2023), the year the San Marcelino-based program placed third. Coach JP Yude is aware that his team needs to double its effort as the race to the Final Four intensifies.
“Okay, so siguro for us, we do our part na trabahoin talaga namin every time. So I know na it’s a very crucial game pagdating na sa second round kasi wala nang bawi, wala nang susunod na round,” Yude said.
“Pero siyempre, we do our best; we go back sa training namin. Kung ano pa ‘yung mga losses, ano pa ‘yung mga kulangan namin, we work on it. Okay, so that na pagdating sa second round, we are ready and we are ready to get the win every time,” he added.
De Jesus, the longest-tenured coach in the league, stressed that the first round is only a warm-up for the real battles in the semis and finals.
“Sabi ko nga, itong first round, hindi ito yung totoong labanan, so pagdating ng semis, doon na malalaman na ito ‘yung totoong laban at pagdating ng Finals. Sabi ko nga kung ano man mangyari nitong mga elimination, ok lang ‘yan basta pagdating sa dulo hindi ka na matatalo,” De Jesus said.
“So ‘yun ‘yung paghandaan, panalo ka nga nitong mga elimination pero pagdating naman sa dulo, crossover, laglag ka. Importante pagdating sa dulo doon ka mag-concentrate, ‘yun ‘yung paghahandaan mo nang todo kasi yun yung totoong laban,” he added.
After overcoming its last two matches to stay in the Final Four range, Adamson hopes to leave its first-round struggles behind under returning coach Shaq delos Santos.
University of Santo Tomas, currently tied with Adamson at 4-3, faces Ateneo in the 1 p.m. opener.
“I think hindi lang sa amin, pati sa other teams na mga kadikit namin. Kaya, every game, must win pa rin. Sa second round, sabi mo nga, lahat ’yan i-scouted na, kaya talagang aral na talaga dapat. Pagiigihan lang din namin kung ano kaya naming puwedeng mas magandang gawin. Hindi na muna namin sila po-problemahin, sarili muna namin po-problemahin namin,” assistant coach Yani Fernandez said.
For coach Sergio Veloso, the Blue Eagles’ 1-6 record is secondary to the growth of his young squad.
“We have a different target. Considering the short time frame, it’s normal that everybody wants to win. But when you look at the middle target, you need to prepare this team because it’s still so young. Now, we have Geezel (Tsunashima) and JLo (Delos Santos) — they just returned from their injuries. They need time to play at the same level, but both can perform well. I am confident in them. The other players are mostly sophomores or freshmen. It’s challenging because the other teams have many good players, including national team members. I am very happy because our players fight hard all the time. This is one of our purposes,” Veloso said.
“No matter if the opponent wins or if our team wins, we need to fight for victory. Sometimes, I understand that many fans say negative things, but I support the players, I support the team, and we know our situation. Our team knows how hard we work in practice. This is the time to transfer what they’ve learned into the game. That is the purpose. The purpose is not just practice, practice, practice — the purpose is when you play. I am confident not only for the future but also for this season. In the second round, we can push harder and have a big fight,” he added.
Men’s action also highlights La Salle seeking a follow-up to its stunning first-round win against six-peat seeking National University in the 11 a.m. duel with Adamson.
Coach Jose Roque is aware that the Green Spikers will step up as the season reaches the homestretch. La Salle, now tied with Ateneo at 3-4, is on course for its fourth straight Final Four appearance.
“Hindi naman masama mangarap. Just like what I said, one game at a time kami. Although sa teams na nakatalo sa amin, we will try to retaliate. Mahirap mangako, but we will do our best as Green Spikers. We’ll do our best to win every game at haharapin namin,” Roque said.
UST, with a 5-2 record, aims to solidify its hold on third place as the Golden Spikers tangle with the Blue Eagles at 9 a.m.
