After consecutive heartbreaking runner-up finishes, the DLSU Lady Spikers are raring to get back into action, aiming to finally clinch the coveted UAAP title that the Ateneo Lady Eagles took from them in the past two seasons. Now hungrier and more experienced than before, the ladies from Taft don’t plan on being bridesmaids this time around.
“Siguro ngayon mas mafe-feel mo yung gusto talaga ng bawat isa, manalo this season. Tsaka, sa akin, sobrang feel na feel ko na ready yung team na lumaban ngayon. So parang anytime naipasok mo yan sa team, lahat yan magcocontribute, kasi sobrang uhaw na uhaw na sila sa championship kasi nga dalawang beses na kami nakuhaan [ng championship],” remarked Lady Spikers captain Kim Fajardo.
Getting into game shape
In preparation for the upcoming season, the Lady Spikers participated in a few tournaments to gain experience and further improve their performance inside the court. Among these tournaments are the Philippine SuperLiga (PSL), Philippine National Games (PNG), and the Intercollegiate tournament held in Baguio, the latter two of which they had finished as champions.
Team captain Fajardo relayed her thoughts on taking part in the PSL, “Kahit hindi buong line-up ng team ng La Salle yung nandun, yung core ng team nandun. Isa rin yun sa magandang experience na pwede naming maibaon sa UAAP.”
Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus shared that the team should not only rely on the starting players. He gave attention to the development of the rookie players that are still trying to get a grasp of his system and collegiate volleyball in general.
“Kailangan mo din kasing mabigyan ng exposure yung iba. Halos lahat kailangan mong magamit para magka-exposure, lalo na yung rookies,” he explained.
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Bigger hurdles
This year will prove to be a challenge for the Lady Spikers as their competitions went up another level. Unlike before, when La Salle first joined the UAAP and only a select few teams performed at a high level, this season will most probably see exciting matches among the competing teams.
“Every year, tumataas yung level ng competition,” said de Jesus. “Hindi ka pwede mag-stay sa dati, yung system laging may kailangang baguhin.”
In line with this, there have been slight changes in the team’s offense and floor defense. They also focused in improving their consistency and accuracy to go hand-in-hand with the power and speed of their services.
In addition, mental conditioning was also one of the things that have been given importance in their season preparations. “Part yun ng team building namin. Isa rin yun sa mga ways para mag-gel yung team, makilala yung bawat isa, [at] kung papaano mapapagalaw yung bawat isa,” Fajardo shared.
Last shot at redemption
As the tournament approaches, de Jesus mentioned some of the players he believes will step up during the season. That list includes Fajardo, Mika Reyes, MaJoy Baron, and rookie Ernestine Tiamzon. He also said that former team captain Ara Galang has made a steady recovery from her injury and is almost back to her top playing form.
With most players going into their last playing year, Fajardo shared what she hopes to see from her teammates, “Sana mas makita namin, ng buong Lasallian community, na papaano nila gagawing maganda yung exit nila sa La Salle.”
The UAAP Season 78 Volleyball Tournament officially opened on January 31, with UP, UE, NU, and defending back-to-back champion Ateneo headlining the opening games. The first game of the Lady Spikers, however, will be against the FEU Lady Tamaraws, which will be held on Wednesday, February 3, at 4 pm in the PhilSports Arena.
