Lady Paddlers aim to extend dominance; Green Paddlers hope to follow suit

The stellar performance of the Green Paddlers and the Lady Paddlers in UAAP Season 75 was a big contributing factor in La Salle’s campaign towards its first-ever General Championship (GC). The Lady Paddlers seized the championship last season, dominating each and every challenger with an unscathed record of 14-0. On the other hand, the Green Paddlers finished second behind the back-to-back champs, UST.

The opening of UAAP Season 76 welcomes the Paddlers with their usual hefty training schedules, coaching pre-evaluations, line-up changes, and other sports dynamics. As the Taft-based squad suits up once again, the Paddlers aim to carry the previous season’s momentum to start and finish the upcoming season on a high note.

Extensive training

The pre-season preparations of the Paddlers started early during the year. Regular training sessions commenced last January, and daily training regimen began last May. On top of the extensive conditioning regulated by the coaching staff, the Paddlers also joined summer tournaments to gain more exposure.

The nearing start of the season also vitalized the Paddlers and they doubled their efforts in their attempt to achieve their team goals. They now engage in a more serious three-hour practice every weeknight. Adjustments are likewise being made by the players and the coaching staff, with some veterans bidding farewell to the team though they have been replaced by a slew of talented rookies.

The exit of Green Paddler captain Ted Yu, Lady Paddler Iris Matubis and former Lady Paddler captain Kimberly Medina saw no significant depletion in the number of athletes officially on the line-up for the two teams. The roster was nonetheless boosted with the addition of four rookies for the Green Paddlers and three fresh faces for the Lady Paddlers.

As the season officially kicks off in a few weeks, the Paddlers affirm that their teams already have a good roster. “I can say na yung line-up namin is parang seasoned line-up na kasi marami na rin kaming na-experience and napagdaanan sa UAAP na nagpapa-strengthen sa’min,” Lady Paddlers co-captain Ian Lariba shares.

Expectations

Winning the Most Valuable Player award in UAAP 75, Lariba did not concede any game during the entire season. Rookie of the Year Donna Gamilla was in addition to Lariba also instrumental in bagging the team’s championship. Together, they will lead the charge for the Lady Paddlers once again this season as they aim to defend their crown.

“Maybe what they can expect from our team is our dedication to defend our title as defending champions,” says Lariba when asked of the expectations from the Paddlers this year.

These two teams are already raring to take a crack at this year’s championship and only time can tell us how far they will go. Will they smash themselves to the top or will they bounce off the table? With these teams though, the former seems like the only option.