Not one to mince words, third-year University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses head coach Kungfu Reyes was elated with his team’s 1-1 start.
And judging from their first two, well-fought matches — a fierce five-setter game against defending champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers four days ago, followed by a straight-set win versus the University of the East Lady Warriors, it has indeed been a “good start”.
“Though natalo kami sa first game namin [versus La Salle], hindi siya mas masakit na unlike last year na kapag nasa top two yung kalaban namin, definitely na straight sets kami pero ngayon kung kaya namin kumagat, kakagat din kami,” he said. “Maganda yung chance namin, at least medyo may malinaw kaming pupuntahan.
“Kung kaya naming kumalmot, kakalmot at kakalmot kami. Medyo tatalasan lang namin yung claws namin para ‘pag kumalmot kami, ‘di kumawala.
“Siguradong papalag at papalag na kami hanggang sa dulo,” the amiable mentor declared.
Reyes expressed confidence in his EJ Laure-less team, with Sisi Rondina embracing the lead role. After scoring 28 points last Saturday, she powered through with 20 markers against the Lady Warriors.
“Itong [panalong ito] yung good indication sa good start namin na kaya naming sumabay, though bata yung team, madaming bagong mukha,” the enlisted Philippine Army personnel shared. “Itong mga player na ito, lalo na itong katabi ko [Sisi Rondina] sila yung magbubuhay ngayon. Nasa mga balikat na nila nakasalalay yung team, mga go to guy namin.
“Si Sisi kapag makakuha ng momentum ‘yan, mahirap pigilin.”
The Golden Tigresses were in great form in their match against the Lady Warriors, and did not let their opponents reach 20 points during the first two sets — something that demoralized their opponents.
Now at 1-1, Reyes wants to treat this commanding win as a springboard towards their next match against the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles on Sunday..
“Different opponent, different preparation. This time, kami naman. Bawat ensayo namin kailangan namin seryosohin para pagdating sa laro, dito namin i-eexecute at i-eenjoy yung bawat puntos na gagawin namin.”
