The setter position is the most taxing position to learn in volleyball.
Adamson Lady Falcons’ MJ Igao is trying to become a UAAP-caliber playmaker in barely a year of preparation.
The 21-year-old trasferred to Adamson from University of San Carlos in 2017. Seeing their need for a new setter after Fhen Emnas graduates, Adamson coach Air Padda converted Igao into a setter.
In just 10 months, Igao is leading the PVL Collegiate Conference is setting, averaging 6.2 excellent sets per set.
“I need to compliment on her that because I’ve been very hard on her the past few months,” said Padda.
“She’s done a lot of things well, but even she knows she needs to be more consistent. She’s a very important part of our team.”
Like Igao, the Lady Falcons have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the tournament, but have mostly been inconsistent.
While they went undefeated in the semis, Padda was left unsatisfied after each of their wins.
Igao knows that she’s a big part of her team’s performance and tries to fast-track her improvement as the UAAP draws near.
“Marami pa rin po akong kailangan i-improve kasi madami pa rin kaming lapses pero okay naman sa feeling.
“Siyempre masaya. Tapos kailangan ko pa rin ng experience at confidence ‘yun lang naman yung sinasabi nila coach,” said the Hospitality Management major.
It took some prodding from her family, but Igao has now fully embraced her role.
“Hesitant po ako kasi napakahirap po ng setter,” she remembered.
“Parang pinu-push din ako ng family ko na mag go at i-grab yung opportunity parang nagkacourage ako na tanggapin yung role kahit mahirap tsaka nastart ko mahalin yung pagseset simula nung simula.”
