The Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors are the “Never Say Die” queens of volleyball.
During the 2016 Shakey’s V-League Open Conference, Pocari Sweat endured four do-or-die matches en route to the franchise’s first championship. They lost the first match of the semis against Bali Pure, then dropped the opening match of the Finals against Philippine Air Force.
Although the grueling experience made winning sweeter, the Lady Warriors are glad they aren’t in the same predicament in the Reinforced Conference. The Lady Warriors, after dropping their opening day match, have won seven straight games, including Game One of the semifinals against the University of Santo Tomas.
Michele Gumabao, the team’s incendiary leader, is glad her team has learned from their past mistakes.
“It feels great and nakaka-excite din kasi mas nagagawa namin ‘yung pina-practice namin. Nakakapag-adjust kami sa game,” the former La Salle Lady Spiker said.
“Mas okay na din na hindi kami masyadong nakakapag-five set this season kasi nakakapagod talaga siya. Especially now na sunod-sunod talaga ‘yung schedule ng games. Kung kayang tapusin in straight sets, tapusin na.”
Gumabao also mentioned that their loss to Air Force had made them realize that there is no room to relax.
“Akala talaga namin matatalo namin sila kasi kami may import sila wala,” the 24-year-old opposite spiker shared.
“Noong natalo kami, tumatatak talaga sa amin na we really have to work hard if we want to win. Hindi porque may import kami or champion kami before mananalo na kami.”
Getting a win in Game Two saves the Lady Warriors the stress of having to fight a younger UST side in a winner-take-all Game Three.
“Definitely we want to do our best and win Game Two,” she said.
“Not only do we not have to play another match, iba din kasi ‘yung mental strain ng paglalaro sa Game Three. Hopefully we can execute again and fight off on Game Two.”
