New challenge for La Salle in UAAP women’s volleyball
THE last time La Salle opened a season with a loss, it won 16 consecutive games to annex a third consecutive UAAP women’s volleyball championship in 2013.
Starring Ara Galang, Aby Maraño and Michele Gumabao, the Lady Spikers overcame the rough patch on opening day to emerge triumphant after the season.
After bowing to University of Santo Tomas in five sets in its first match of the season last December 2, 2012, La Salle has won 10 consecutive opening day matches.
The streak ended after the 12-time champions bowed to holders National University, 23-25, 21-25, 18-25, Sunday night before 16,624 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena.
It is an unfamiliar sight for the Lady Spikers to set in motion their UAAP on the wrong foot.
The challenge now for La Salle is how the team will respond from the defeat. The Lady Spikers can use it as a fuel to adjust, grow, and come back stronger in the matches ahead.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, wala namang natatalo sa game eh. Basta alam mong (kahit) natalo ka, natuto ka. ‘Yun ang importante eh, natalo ka (pero) natuto ka. Pero kung natalo ka tapos wala kang natutunan, talagang talo ka nun,” said De Jesus.
“Importante, natalo ka pero may natutunan ka sa pagkatalo mo and ready kang i-correct ‘yan sa susunod na mga games,” the longest-tenured UAAP women’s volleyball coach added.
De Jesus remains optimistic that La Salle, as it tries to move on from the departures of Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel, will learn and improve as the season progresses.
He also reminded his players that wearing the Lady Spikers jersey comes with pressure and high expectations — something they must embrace and learn to thrive under, as it has always been a defining characteristic of the fabled program.
“Siguro wake-up call sa kanila. Lahat naman kapag bagong team, kapag bagong generation, mataas ‘yung expectations, lalo na sa La Salle. Dahil nandoon ‘yung may Shevana Laput ka, may Angel Canino, so mataas ‘yung expectations,” De Jesus said.
Laput was the lone double digit scorer for the Lady Spikers with 18 kills, as Canino struggled dealing with the tough Lady Bulldogs defense with 7-of-38 attacks.
“Actually, sabi ko nga sa mga bata, ang totoong laban ay kapag umabot ka na ng Finals. Hindi dito sa eliminations. Importante lang na igapang natin na makapasok sa top two or top four. Doon siguro unti-unti nang magkakaroon ng kumpiyansa ang mga bata kapag umabot sa ganung punto,” De Jesus said.
Up next for the La Salle is a showdown with Shai Nitura-led Adamson, which pulled off a reverse sweep against Ateneo last Sunday. The Lady Spikers are eyeing to avoid a 0-2 start under De Jesus against the Lady Falcons on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
