Kevin Montemayor stepped up to the challenge and helped VNS-One Alicia clinch the elusive semifinals spot in the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Tuesday.
The 20-year-old opposite spiker put on his best performance yet in the tournament, scoring 15 points in the Griffins’ semis-clinching, 25-20, 25-16, 26-28, 25-21 win at the Paco Arena which ended a three-game losing slide that almost booted them out of contention.
“Mindset ko lang po na dapat lagi akong ready na makapag-contribute sa team para manalo kami,” said the young Montemayor.
With the semifinals now upon them, Montemayor said that he will continue to step up for VNS-One Alicia as they look to upset the likes of Cignal, National University-Sta. Elena, and PGJC-Navy.
“Mas tatapangan ko pa, mas magco-contribute pa ako, at mas magtitiwala pa ako sa sistema ng team namin para manalo kami sa semis,” he said, as the Griffins have yet to strike a win against those three squads.
VNS-One Alicia head coach Ralph Ocampo said he had no doubt that Montemayor would step up in big games. After all, he has instilled that mindset in each and every one of his wards prior to the tournament.
“Mga produkto ko ‘yang mga bata e. Alam na alam kong magpeperform ‘yan sila kasi gaya nga nung trust system namin, sabi ko sa mga players ko every time na pinasok kayo sa loob, or once na you got selected for this tournament, malaki yung tiwala namin sa inyo na magdedeliver kayo,” said Ocampo.
“Si Kevin matagal na naman siyang opposite so alam na alam kong every game magdedeliver ‘yan.”
