Edgar Barroga admitted that Gerflor’s lack of preparation led to its winless campaign in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.
The Defenders’ maiden professional campaign ended at the hands of fellow neophyte Foton, with a score of 26-24, 13-25, 25-21, 26-24 in the battle for the 11th spot at the Philsports Arena on Thursday morning.
After the loss to the Tornadoes, Barroga said, “Medyo bitin din siguro yung preparation namin kaya ngayon lang nagkakaroon ng chemistry.”
However, Barroga is happy to see Gerflor fight until the end, as they took a lopsided win in the second set before eventually bowing out of an extended fourth frame. This saw Nene Bautista and Shaya Adorador deliver the finishing blows for Foton.
“Kung makikita niyo yung mga laro namin, ngayon pa lang gumaganda. Ngayon pa lang sila nagkakaroon ng maganda at maayos na communication. Ngayon ko lang narealize na meron pala kaming ibubuga,” said Barroga.
“So ang nangyari lang sa past few games, hindi ko pa nakikita yung tamang position ng bawat isa. Ngayon nakita ko yung strong point namin saka yung weak point namin kaya I hope next time, medyo umangat kami at mas mapaghandaan pa namin,” he continued.
The NU Nazareth School mentor also stressed the need to build around rookie Alyssa Bertolano, who has been the Defenders’ sole bright spot in the Invitationals. Bertolano scored 15 points in the loss to Foton.
“Definitely, kung matutuloy, talagang kailangan kasi medyo kulang kami sa sabihin na magiging katulong niya [Alyssa Bertolano] pagdating sa wing, kaya kailangan lang siguro na mas makita pa namin kung ano yung kailangan naming ilagay doon sa position na yun,” said Barroga.
As for her part, Bertolano said that she will work harder during the offseason as the Defenders look to finally get that elusive win in the season-ending conference.
“Yun nga, sabi po ni coach na medyo na-short kami ngayon sa training namin, sa preparation namin this conference. Maybe kaya pa namin yun i-work next conference and maybe gagalingan pa namin next conference,” said the former University of the Philippines standout.
“Ako lang is mag-trust lang sa teammates ko kasi wala namang impossible e. Feeling ko yun yung lack rin sa amin. Trust and communication this conference so yun pa yung iwowork namin next conference.”
