Instead of frustration, relief filled Adamson-Akari head coach Airess Padda after her Lady Falcons played their last match of the PVL Open Conference, a loss to the Creamline Cool Smashers that sunk them to an 0-14 record.
The Lady Falcons did endure varying challenges from dealing with injuries to integrating rookies.
“This conference has been really tough for us. We’ve endured so many injuries aside from the level of play. I know my girls need a break; we’ve been playing since July. I just wanted them to finish the PVL in a lighter mood,” said Padda, who also coached the Lady Falcons to Collegiate Conference bronze.
“I’m glad that PVL is over.”
Adamson had key players like Eli Soyud, Trisha Genesis, Lea Perez, ans Bernadette Flora miss games due to injuries. They also didn’t have graduating middle blocker Joy Dacoron who played with BanKo the entire conference.
Their absence allowed rookies like Krich Macaslang, Genesis, and Grace Ave get valuable playing time.
All the experience they gained and the rest they’ll get over the next few months are key for their preparations for the UAAP Season 81 Women’s Volleyball tournament.
“A lof of our babies, our underclassmen weren’t ready to play, but we didn’t have a choice. We sort of threw them into the fire and I think they realized that it doesn’t matter what age they are, especially if you’re part of the starting lineup,” shared the American mentor, who is in her third year of duty.
“That’s a privilege because the UAAP is coming up and a lot of them won’t get the same playing time.
“We got to take advantage of all the playing time that they’re getting. A lot of other teams aren’t getting this; their freshmen aren’t playing. It’s all experience for UAAP. I’m not walking away from this and stressing about the UAAP. I know we’re not complete and there’s still a lot of great things we can take away from this,” she added as she tries to steer Adamson back to the Final Four after five years.
The Lady Falcons are planning on starting training camp in a few weeks and possibly training in Thailand on January.
With the rest of the field ramping up their preparations, Padda knows the next few months are crucial.
“I really can’t stress enough that I’m happy that this is over because, man, they need a break mentally and physically. They’re falling apart. It’s really hard to coach them at a high level when they’re not able to operate that way. We’re in the trainings and they can’t take the trainings,” she lamented.
“I’m happy that we’re closing this chapter and out it behind us. We’re not the only team that went winless. It was just a weak moment for us. We’re excited for UAAP.”
