After suffering their second defeat in eight outings, Rebisco-Philippines head coach Dante Alinsunurin was quick to shrug off the loss – stating that forming the 14-man line-up is their top priority in joining the Spikers’ Turf Reinforced Conference.
“Gusto ko lang talaga i-form ‘yung sa fourteen namin, gusto kong kunin talaga ‘yung kung sino talaga ang para sa fourteen-man line-up namin,” said Alinsunurin following Rebisco’s three-set loss against Sta. Elena.
“Ang goal kasi talaga namin is makita talaga kung sino ‘yung magfi-fit sa katorse namin sa padating na SEA games. Ang importante rin [ay] ‘yung sa lahat ng situwasyon, nakaka-adapt sila.”
The Nationals played their worst outing in eight games – losing in three sets to a young Sta. Elena squad led by UAAP Season 81 Rookie of the Year Nico Almendras and Edward Camposano.
Rebisco, on the other hand, was led by the returning Bryan Bagunas with 18 points built on a lowly 13-of-36 attack rate, three aces, and two blocks.
The RP team also had problems receiving the ball — tallying only a total of 22 excellent digs and 29 receptions compared to Sta. Elena’s 32 and 35.
“Sabi ko nga, meron kaming goal dito.
“Hindi naman kami team talaga na naglalaro dito na gusto naming manalo, ang gusto namin is ma-expose lang ‘yung team na sama sama sila, [kung] anong combination ang gagawin namin, ano pa ‘yung pwede naming gawin and ano ‘yung adjustments na pwede naming gawin pagdating sa competition na,” said Alinsunurin.
Despite the rough loss, Alinsunurin saw a lot of positive things from his wards which can help them in the long run.
“Kahit papaano nakaka-adjust sila sa mga problema namin, then nakikita nila kung saan kami may problema. Kitang kita nila kung sa blocking or sa receive, tine-take ko as positive ‘yun eh.”
