The DLSU Lady Spikers dropped their Finals series once again against the ADMU Lady Eagles, this time in two sweeps. While the spotlight has been focused on the Blue and White scene after the championship point, the Green side were on the losing end for the second straight year.
The Taft-based spikers played without Ara Galang and Camille Cruz, who were both capable of providing the offensive numbers while also playing defense. With La Salle missing two key players, Alyssa Valdez and the rest of the titleholders proved to be too much for the depleted La Salle crew, hence failed to accomplish their redemption-themed season.
After Game 2, crowd-favorite Mika Reyes and veteran Cyd Demecillo shared their thoughts on the Finals, and mentioned what was really lacking in the team’s play during the finale.
“Receive. Wala pa kaming receive,” Reyes, who chipped in eight points, five of which came from emphatic rejections, briefly stated.
On the other hand, Demecillo said, “Kaya naman pero nagkulang lang talaga sa dulo. Hindi lang namin na-sustain. For me, it was really close, and hindi naman talaga kami ganun matalo sa Ateneo.”
Prior to the game, the 5’11” Reyes said that they were told to play the game loose, and without any pressure. “Ang sabi lang ni Coach, is just to enjoy the game and just play our game.”
For Demecillo, she spoke in behalf of the squad, admitting that they were not satisfied with the outcome of the Finals, but gave her word that they will be prepared come next season.
“Lahat naman kami siguro hindi contented sa nangyari. Siyempre talo, so expected talaga na hindi kami satisfied. Goal namin next year is dodoblehin namin yung effort namin compared sa pinaghandaan namin before” Demecillo explained.
While Demecillo mentioned that everyone will return to the lineup in Season 78, the two will become the graduating veterans on their quest of winning the title and clinching the trophy anew for their Taft based school.
As the team headed into the dugout with former players Cha Cruz and Aby Maraño, Mika shared, “Lahat naman ng seniors na naglalaro sa UAAP ang gusto makatulong sa team, mag-iwan ng mark na sa susunod na taon may maiwan kaming mark na malolook-up like yan sila Ate Aby and Cha.“
Cyd added that past players Cruz and Maraño taught them the importance of having a leader in a squad saying, “Ilabas yung pagiging leader talaga. Yung leadership kasi hindi basta matutunan yun kundi nakukuha yun sa sarili namin.”
