With backs against the wall, another volleybelle scratched out for the season, and a thrice-to-beat disadvantage is now on-hand against the defending champions, the DLSU Lady Spikers assistant coach, Noel Orcullo, gave his thoughts on the team’s current situation coming into Game 2 of the so far, one-sided series.
The Lady Spikers ended Game 1 by scoring 18, 19 and 19 points on the three-set loss against their arch-nemesis. However, the Taft-based squad were able to fight neck-to-neck, especially in the start of the sets.
“Maganda yung output ng scores, ang problema hindi namin ma-sustain. For example, magle-lead kami tapos magkakaroon ng errors naman,” says Orcullo.
He pointed out that the team’s lack in the receiving end has been their main concern in the series, as they entered the series without their ace player and best receiver, Ara Galang.
The absence of the fourth year star was felt offensively for the Lady Spikers, as Ara was one of the team’s best closers. The Lady Eagles on the other hand took full advantage, anchored by their main scorer, Alyssa Valdez.
Orcullo stated the equal level of status Galang and Valdez have in their respective squads as he mentioned, “Yung loss ni Ara, parang ganito yan. Yung pag tinanggal mo si Valdez sa Ateneo, ganyan din yung epekto.”
Unfortunately for the last year’s bridesmaid finishers, another spiker in Camille Cruz injured in her knee, and was also ruled out of the season for good.
“Affected yung rotation since kailangan namin depensa. Isa siya [Cruz] sa mga magaling dumepensa eh. Yung opensa not bad naman and kaya yung percentages. Pero yung depensa talaga,” he admitted.
Down to a dozen players heading into Game 2, Orcullo and the rest of the coaching staff hopes that their girls will adjust and fight for their season.
“Given naman na pupuntos si Alyssa [Valdez]. Kami, we just have to follow our game plan and play our game. Hopefully this Saturday nakita na nung mga bata [errors] and makapag adjust na sila,” he closed out.
Game 2 of the series will be played tomorrow, 3:30pm at the Mall of Asia Arena, as the Lady Spikers try to save their season, while the Lady Eagles seek to bag their second straight title.
