For the first time in the program’s history, the San Beda College Lady Red Spikers were invited to join the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference – a tournament where the top college teams from both the NCAA and UAAP converge.
For a rebuilding team like San Beda, getting reps with top caliber college teams are invaluable for their growth.
“Siyempre nagpapasalamat kami sa V-League sa pag-imbita sa amin dito,” said third-year San Beda head coach Nemesio Gavino.
In their first match of the conference, San Beda was pesky but could not make plays in the crucial stretch of the match and fell to the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons.
Composed mainly of sophomores and young players, Chesca Racraquin led the way with 16 points while Nieza Viray managed nine markers.
Placed in a tight Group B with UAAP powerhouse FEU and NCAA champions Benilde, San Beda is determined to show that they are not just happy to be in the league.
“Ang goal is to make the Top Three sa group namin para maka-advance kami sa next phase ng tournament. Malaking bagay para sa amin kung makakapanalo kami nang maraming laro sa tournament na ‘to.”
“Definitely may excitement sa mga player ko pero alam nila na ang goal pa din is kailangan manalo,” Gavino added when asked if his players will be daunted when playing against some of the better known teams in the UAAP.
“Once na nagsimula na ‘yung game ma-rerealize din nila (Lady Red Spikers) na pare-pareho lang silang nagvo-volleyball. Wala namang pinagkaiba.”
