When reigning Open Conference Most Valuable Player Bryan Bagunas left Air Force for his Japan V-League stint, many thought that he brought with him the Jet Spikers’ chances of claiming back-to-back titles.
However, two-time Spikers’ Turf MVP Ranran Abdilla believes otherwise. He knows that Air Force still have enough firepower for another title run.
“Para sa akin, hindi naman ganun ka-ano na nawala si Bryan kasi yun nga, nagcha-champion kami kahit nung wala siya,” claimed Abdilla, following Air Force’s five-set victory over Ateneo two Sundays ago.
“Lahat naman ‘yan talagang… ‘Pag pinasok mo competitive ‘yan. And ‘yun ‘yung maganda sa team namin — kahit sinong ipasok mo sa amin, magbibigay at magbibigay ng puntos.”
Proving that they still have what it takes to reclaim the crown even without their decorated spiker, Abdilla and the rest of the Jet Spikers dominated the elimination round. They then swept the entire Group B with a 5-0 card.
Still, with plenty of teams looking to wield the upset axe on the Jet Spikers, Abdilla and Air Force team captain Jessie Lopez are well aware that clinching the title again will be no piece of cake. It will take a group of people more than willing to make the sacrifices and embrace the system to make it happen.
“Kailangan lang talaga naming makuha yung sistema na gusto ng coaches namin, lalo na sa mga blockings namin,” said Abdilla.
“Sa amin kasi ano eh, ang laging ini-insist ni coach Dante [Alinsunurin] sa amin is yung sistema. Kasi ‘pag naglalaro kami at sumusunod kami sa sistema, umaayon ‘yung takbo ng game doon sa gusto naming mangyari,” added Lopez.
With Air Force riding the crest of their five-game winning streak heading into the playoffs, Abdilla is confident that the pressure lies on their opponents’ shoulders. After all, his Jet Spikers have more than enough experience than any team in the league.
“No pressure sa amin, kasi kapag na-pressure ka, lalamunin ka nung pressure mo eh. And siguro kasi, mas may advantage kami kasi mas may experience kami sa kanila.”
