After suffering two losses in their last three outings, PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters head coach Odjie Mamon challenged his wards, giving them the freedom to set the tempo and figure out a way to end the slump.
“I just let them play – sila mag-set ng tempo, tapos konting reminders lang. Then yung game plan, nasunod naman ng kaunti,” said Mamon.
Fortunately for Mamon, his players answered his call. They repossessed their winning ways by handing the Tony Koyfman-led Volleyball Never Stops Volleyball Club (VNS VC) Griffins a tough three-set beating, 25-22, 25-18, 25-20.
“Lahat naman ng gagawin namin, responsible kami.
“Saka yung pinagpa-practisan kasi namin talagang kung magsi-stick kami sa system sa training, sa laro mismo magagawa namin,” said John Vic De Guzman.
“Yung mga tinraining namin, kaya siguro nasabi niya na hindi na niya kami ininstruct, kasi alam na namin yung gagawin namin. Isang week kami nag-prepare para dito sa game na ‘to para makabawi kasi galing kami sa dalawang talo. Kaya ayon, kailangan namin bumawi. ‘Yung mga kanya-kanya naming trabaho sa court, ginawa namin as a team kaya ayon, nanalo,” added 2018 Spikers’ Turf MVP Pao Pablico.
Pablico steered PLDT with 13 points on 10 attacks, two blocks and an ace. Meanwhile, De Guzman finished with six points, and provided the team with energy through his relentless play against VNS.
Despite their dominant win, De Guzman admitted that there are still lapses for PLDT, who were eventually overcome by their desire to enter the playoffs.
“Though may mga kaunting lapses kami pero siguro [yung] kagustuhan na rin ng bawat isa dahil lahat naman kami gustong makapasok for the semifinals papunta sa finals,” said the Men’s National Volleyball Team captain.
“Pinaka-main [concern] namin is yung passing namin – passing and blocking – kasi doon kami medyo nagkakaroon ng konting sablay eh. Paminsan-minsan doon sa mga games namin, medyo nahihirapan kaming mag-adjust, pero siguro, eventually, sa mga susunod naming games maresolba na namin.”
