After making their return to the Philippine Superliga in 2016, the Generika-Ayala Lifesavers can finally say they’ve beaten everyone in the league.
It started in the 2018 Invitational Cup, when the Lifesavers toppled powerhouses Petron Blaze Spikers and then-Foton Tornadoes in the preliminary round.
Tuesday evening, Generika-Ayala nailed their first win of the 2018 Chooks to Go All-Filipino Cup at the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers’ expense.
For a long time, the Lifesavers have tried to build their identity. Now, their signature grit and resiliency have given them wins over some of the PSL’s past champions in just a year.
“Sabi ko naman sa mga player before mag-start, kahit sino naman pwedeng manalo. Kaso nga lang, ayaw ibigay sa amin ‘yung panlo nitong mga unang games. Nagtiyaga naman ‘yung mga player kanina,” said Generika head coach Sherwin Meneses, who started handling the team earlier this year.
“Tibay lang talaga. Kung magpapa-down ka agad, talo ka na agad. Sinasabi ko lang sa kanila na laruin nila ‘yung nila. Kung talo tayo, talo.”
For Generika’s feisty libero Kath Arado, getting a win over F2 Logistics gives her the satisfaction of also beating the UAAP standard-bearers De La Salle University Lady Spikers.
In her four years of playing for University of the East, Arado has never come close to beating the Lady Spikers.
“Nakaka-angat ng morale talaga kasi, siyempre, F2 ‘yan. Champion team, tapos halos lahat sila La Salle,” said Arado, who piled up 41 digs and 15 excellent receptions against the Cargo Movers.
“Feeling namin nakatalo na din kami ng La Salle. Iba talaga kasi kapag sila ‘yung kalaban mo. Names pa lang nila eh, masasabi mo na lahat sila superstars, lahat sila magagaling. Nakaka-intimidate pero nakaka-motivate din.”
Still, the Lifesavers are just 1-3 this conference. With a semis berth in mind, the Lifesavers know there’s more they need to accomplish before they can truly celebrate.
“Nakaka-motivate na mag-strive pa nang maigi. Sabi nga ni coach, hindi natatapos doon, kailangan tuloy-tuloy tayo. Mami-meet lang naman natin ‘yung goal kapag nagtuloy kami.”
