The DLSU Lady Batters left the previous season disappointed after failing to make postseason. They placed sixth out of the seven teams that competed in the tournament, while the Adamson Lady Falcons edged out the UST Golden Tigresses for the eight-peat championship
It is no surprise that any team would want to chase for that championship glory. With the wisdom and experience they gained from the previous season, both team captain Jamica Arribas and Coach Jasper Cabrera are ready to take that leap of faith that can make or break their upcoming season.
Almost is never enough
Since the loss, the memories of the numerous hard fought games last season remained in the minds of the players. Arribas describes that experience to be anti-climactic, “Ang ganda ng start namin sa mga games pero wala kaming finishing.”
(We have great starts in our games, but we have a hard time finishing well.)
Coach Jasper joined the team last November 2017. It was his first time handling them and had little time to adjust as he joined during the latter parts of the preparations. Nevertheless, he was able to improve the team’s record. He affirms that the team was on track for the most part, but failed to close out on games, “Yung runner-up na UST tinalo namin, hirap na hirap sa amin yung ibang teams, kaso lang kulang pa talaga sila sa communication.”
(We were able to beat the runner-up, UST, and the other teams really had a hard time facing us, but we still lack in communication.)
Leveling the playing field
The Lady Batters kick-started their preseason with various training regimens and tune-up games with selected universities and teams. “S-in-acrifice namin yung time namin sa training instead [na] umuwi sa kanya-kanyang province,” says Arribas. When it comes to specific skills, batting was focused on to improve their offensive efforts. Outside of the baseball diamond, the gym was a common place for the players to work out and train hard.
Keeping their focus on a Final Four stint, the Lady Batters gained much needed experience while participating in preseason matches. Coach Jasper, who feels confident heading into the season, mentions, “Kinalaban na namin yung [teams] from Tanauan, Adamson, NU, at sa Laguna. Lahat maganda naman ang outcome, maganda naman ang result kaya palagay ko, kaya namin pumasok ng Final Four ngayon.”
(We’ve competed against the [teams] from Tanauan, Adamson, NU, and Laguna. All of the games had good outcomes, the results were good so I think we can make it to the Final Four.)
Arribas aims to be a role model to her teammates by motivating them to bring out the best in the team. She also believes that they can continue to top their performances in order to improve their standing this season. The team captain shares, “Gusto namin ma-improve at umangat ang standing namin from [the] past season. Hindi yung nasa bottom standings kami palagi. Gusto namin pumasok sa Final Four, magka-medal, at maglaro safinals.” Arribas is expectant that they will win more to repay the support and dedication of their coaches, managers, parents, and the Lasallian community.
(We want to improve our standing from the past season. We don’t want to always be at the bottom. We want to make it to the Final Four, get medals, and play for the finals.)
