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Shaping the Lady Spikers for the long run

Despite not utilizing Kim Kianna Dy, who tweaked her ankle versus the UST Golden Tigresses, the DLSU Lady Spikers clinched their sixth consecutive victory at the expense of the AdU Lady Falcons, 25-13, 25-14, 25-16, last April 1 in the Mall of Asia Arena.

MaJoy Baron led the way for the Lasallians with 13 points on six attacks, four blocks, and three service aces. To complement Baron, Macandili gave the team another excellent performance with 18 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions. Behind Baron and Macandili taking charge of the team without Dy was the valuable exposure once again given to the younger players of the Green-and-White.

 

Layug gets first start

The game marked the first time that the Lady Spikers modified their starting lineup. First year player Arriane Layug started in place of Dy and chipped in three points. The Lady Falcons pounced on the Green-and-White’s lack of cohesion and took an early 5-1 lead in the first set. La Salle found its rhythm, however, and took an 8-7 lead in the first technical timeout. Layug would eventually send the ball down the line with a spike and seal the first set.

 

The passing of the torch to Cobb

Throughout UAAP Season 79, rookie setter Michelle Cobb would commonly play alongside her mentor Kim Fajardo in a 4-2 offensive system. “I feel like I’ve been steady. I’ve been performing the role that I was given. So far, so good. I feel like I’m delivering, but of course I won’t settle for that. I need to work even harder,” Cobb says on her recent performance.

Lady Spikers - Renz 3

This time around, Cobb gave a glimpse of the Lady Spikers’ future as she found herself dictating their offense as the lone setter on the court in the team’s standard 5-1 formation. “I feel like I’m slowly learning to make myself used to Ate Kim [Fajardo] being out of the court. Coach [Ramil De Jesus] says, you know, what if she’s not here?” she comments. Cobb also explains that she also coordinates with Layug in training to be able to build her confidence.

 

Another step forward for Luna

May Luna has regularly been the first player to come off the bench for La Salle this season. In her two years with the team, she has been able to display her burly spikes and bewildering jump serves. Just like her performance versus the ADMU Lady Eagles in the first round, Luna delivered quality minutes. Although she only recorded three points versus AdU, her offensive capabilities must not be overlooked.

Luna appeared to be upbeat about the recent opportunity given to her and mentions that it will be able to give her more confidence and self-belief. On the team’s morale after winning six consecutive games, Luna says that the team is in high spirits. “Kailangan hindi mag lie low, kailangan hindi namin naiisip na parati kaming mananalo para mas magtiyaga pa kami.(We cannot lie low, we don’t think about always winning so that we work even harder.)

 

Guidance and stability

As the younger Lady Spikers received exposure, they provided an opportunity for the regular starters to rest. As the likes of Fajardo and company were on the bench, Baron and Macandili remained on the court to provide guidance and stability. The latter explains that she stepped up her digging and receiving  to ensure that she properly got the ball to Michelle Cobb to execute their plays. Siyempre, exposure yun para sa kanila. I can’t afford to make any mistakes.” (Of course, that’s exposure for them.)

Luna comments on the presence of the veterans, explaining, “Giniguide nila kami and nagbibigay sila ng tiwala sa amin na magagawa namin yung isang bagay pag nasa loob ng court.” (They give us guidance and give us belief that we can do our task on the court.)

Despite being the lone setter on the court, Cobb was grateful to be around veterans. “Yun din, it’s okay Ate Kim’s not there kasi nandun naman yung core ng team.” (That too, it’s okay that Ate Kim’s not there because the core of the team was still present.)

Although the less-experienced Lady Spikers did not provide spectacular numbers, the exposure they were given will go a long way. It will prove to be helpful to the aforementioned trio, along with CJ Saga, Norielle Ipac, and Justine Tiu, in their bid for back-to-back titles, and even more invaluable than what most may think in the coming seasons.

Pagkapinapasok kami dun, kailangan mong ipakita yung best mo kasi may tiwala siya [coach Ramil De Jesus] sayo,” said Saga. (They put us in, and we have to show our best because coach believes in us.)

Assistant coach Noel Orcullo furthermore explains that the opportunities given to the players will also be able to provide confidence. “Yun lang sinasabi namin [sa kanila]. So dapat pag gamit kayo in a big game, ready kayo.” (That’s pretty much what we tell them [the girls]. So when you’re placed into a big game, you’re ready.)

Claro Ignacio Manzano

By Claro Ignacio Manzano

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