If we should never doubt the heart of a champion, we should never count out the heart of a Filipino.
Going into their Open Conference finals rematch against champions Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors, the Air Force Jet Spikers were heavy underdogs. The Lady Warriors were one of the few teams able to secure imports in the field, while Air Force could only field an All-Filipino lineup — the same group that took them to the Finals last conference.
Despite being taller, stronger, and more experienced internationally, Pocari Sweat succumbed to the grit and target serving of Air Force. The Jet Spikers kept their taller foes on their heels. Air Force seemed out of the match in the fifth set, trailing 8-11. But the Jet Spikers showed heart and found a way to win seven of the next eight points and come away with a win.
“Napag-usapan talaga namin na may imports nga ‘yung kalaban namin kaya kailangan mag-extra effort talaga kami,” said Air Force head coach Jasper Jimenez.
“Kilala ko naman mga players ko, hindi naman ‘yan basta susuko porque mas malaki ‘yung kalaban. Naging maganda siguro ‘yung service namin kanina kaya nakapanalo kami.”
“Naging crucial ‘yung service reception kasi wala sila noon, kailangan maiayos namin ‘yung sa amin,” Air Force team captain Wendy Semana pointed out.
“Siyempre, may import pa sila and kami wala. Alam namin before the game pa lang na kailangan talaga namin magsipag para manalo.”
“Maganda talaga nilaro namin as a team. Mas buo talaga kami ngayon kasi nakakapag-bonding kami sa labas ng court,” reflected long-time Air Force spiker Judy Caballejo.
The former University of Santo Tomas Tigress added that she thought Pocari could have gone with an All-Filipino lineup, which has shown better chemistry in the past.
“Nag-aadjust pa siguro ‘yung imports nila and bagong players. Sa tingin ko lang, mas okay ‘yung All-Filipino nila kasi ‘yung chemistry nandoon.”
More than anything, Caballejo is just happy to finally notch a win this conference.
“Maganda siguro na nakakuha na kami kaagad ng panalo, sa malakas na team pa. Hopefully, tuloy-tuloy na.”
