The DLSU Lady Archers proved to be dominant in the team’s first two outings, beating preseason queens, Adamson Lady Falcons and UE Lady Warriors, to open a Taft-based bid for the UAAP Season 75 Women’s Basketball Championship.
In the first two games, numbers show that the Tyrone Bautista-mentored squad has been consistent in offense and defense.
The Ladies from Taft won with a comfortable margin against last year’s losing finalist Lady Falcons, 60-52, last July 19, and routed bottom dwellers the Lady Warriors via a 20-point separation, 67-47, last July 26. The two duels were held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Taking pride in the team’s suffocating defense, the Green-and-White squad allowed only an average of 49 points per game last season, the Lady Archers registered 16 percent turnover points, 5.5 steals and downed the Lady Falcons and Lady Warriors to 35.7 percent and 22.7 percent of total field goals respectively.
Promise to be fulfilled
The team, however, still has lapses such as turnovers and 50-50 loose balls. Rebounds have also raised concern for the team.
Despite the lapses, the Lady Archers have stayed positive and grateful for the team’s two wins, which the players attributed to their teamwork.
Head Coach Bautista narrated his admiration for the team. He said, “This is a young team but a very very promising young team; any given game anybody can step up, but what I like about the team right now is that they have their hearts and minds focus on the main prize.”
Veteran leadership in different aspects also helped spark the Lady Archers’ record. Ara Abaca and Trisha Piatos signed in 17 baskets apiece in the Adamson win, while team Captain Hannah Viterbo and Cassandra Santos chipped in 12 and 11 points accordingly against the Lady Warriors.
Veteran point guards Miller Ong and Piatos also placed in efficient assists for a team total of 39 while forwards Innah Corcuera, Alyanna Ong and Abaca also contributed baskets, rebounds and defense.
Tougher challenges ahead
The team is satisfied with a 2-0 start, but the squad is aware of the challenges to come.
Reminiscing the pain the team endured last year after pushing eventual titlist FEU Lady Tamaraws into a do-or-die match in the semi finals, the players have prepared and have trained hard for all the matches to come.
This year, with preseason tournaments and with well tactical and exemplary training day in and day out, expect the Lady Archers to give another tough bid for the championship.
Coach Ty has expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the team so far, but he knows that the team would have to endure more in the next rounds.
Teams such as AdMU, FEU and NU are also vying for the title.
“We all know what our goals are. From this game forward our level of play should go up and not seesaw. Remember after seeing the first few games of the season, anybody can beat anyone at any given game.” said Coach Tyrone to his squad.
