BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — The ever-consistent Dindin Santiago-Manabat made sure that Chery Tiggo will live to fight another day on Monday.
The 6-foot-2 opposite hitter poured a game-high 19 points off 16 attacks and three aces in the 25-18, 25-22, 26-24 Game Two win against Choco Mucho in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference semifinals against Choco Mucho.
“Sa amin inisip lang namin na kailangan namin manalo, inisip namin itong game na ‘to is a championship game,” said Santiago-Manabat, who scored 17 points in the Game One loss yesterday.
“Siyempre nandito na kami, ang dami na naming sacrifices, ang dami na naming hirap so kailangan na naming i-laban ‘to. At least itong game na to lumaban kami.”
According to the two-time Shakey’s V-League Conference MVP, the team used the Game One loss as motivation coming to the all-important Game Two showdown.
And they made sure to learn from the lessons of yesterday to come out as a better and smarter squad.
“Naging positibo lang kami, naging aral sa amin yun.
“Ginawa naming challenge yun and nag-aral kami agad kung anong mga pagkakamali namin nung pagkatalo namin,” shared Santiago-Manabat.
With their championship hopes now hanging in a balance, Santiago-Manabat vowed that the team will pour their hearts out in Game Three.
“Bukas, labanan na talaga ng mental toughness kasi physically fit kaming lahat, kondisyon na nandito na kami sa semis, labanan na lang ng puso,” said the native of Tanza, Cavite.
“Laban na ‘to!”
