From the start, PSL-F2 Logistics Manila’s campaign in the 2016 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship was more than just about winning.
In the first place, it was tough seeing the host team scoring a win against the world’s best club teams even with seven reinforcements in the lineup.
This edition of the Women’s CWC is supposed to display the Filipino’s unique passion for volleyball and the country’s capability to host such events. The level of volleyball here is still in its infancy stage compared to European, American, and even most of Asian volleyball.
Heading into their match against Ezcasibasi VitrA, the most successful club in Turkey, the hosts lost their previous two matches in straight sets.
Playing against the defending champions’ bench, PSL-F2 Logistics looked on their way to another straight-set loss: down 0-2 and 18-22 in the third frame.
Then Jaja Santiago happened.
The “Hope of Philippine volleyball” powered home a spike and three consecutive spikes to tie the match at 22. Then American imports Stephanie Niemer and Lindsay Stalzer punctuated the set and gave PSL their first won set of the tournament.
“This is big for Philippine volleyball,” said PSL head coach Moro Branislav.
The Serbian mentor then recalled how his women’s home team started from scratch 20 years ago. He witnessed them score a historic win against Poland in a regional meet and credited that as the turning point for Serbian volleyball.
He sees PSL Manila’a third set win over Ezcasibasi as that moment for local volleyball.
“When I was brought over here, I was tasked with promoting local players and helping them improve.
“The passion for volleyball here is different, it’s unique from anywhere I’ve been,” Branislav, who has coached in over 15 different countries, expressed.
He stresses that it is now important to establish one big, unified program for volleyball.
“One big program is what we need. Just continue training and investing in the Philippine players and maybe start beating international teams one at a time.”
Branislav pointed to China’s development this decade. Six years ago, legendary coach Lang Ping started an overhaul of their program. They barely won any tournaments in their first four years. The Chinese then went on to win gold in the 2016 Olympics.
“There must be patience. It will not be easy. Maybe start now and the first four or five years, not win. But if there is continued support, maybe someday compete against Asians then World.”
“I have complete trust in Philippine players,” closed Branislav.
