Rarely does a newly-assembled team come away with a win in their debut, especially in a highly-competitive league like the Philippine Superliga.
The Iriga City Lady Oragons, however, were bent on making a splash right away in the Chooks-to-Go PSL Grand Prix.
Facing a more experienced Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors team, the Oragons lived up to their moniker and rallied in a tight five-setter.
According to Iriga City Mayor Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen, pulling off wins like this greatly improves the morale of her constituents.
“Definitely a lot of the people back home watched,” said the mayor, “They showed the game on Facebook and a lot of people stopped working to watch the game. It was a big boost for us.
“I’m not even sure if other people even know where Iriga is.”
Alfelor-Gazmen has been keen on helping develop grassroots sports programs in her region. She wants to continue to develop players like the nine Iriga-natives in their roster and their coach, former National Team campaigner Parley Tupas.
She revealed that she had already established long-term plans with the PSL to bring future games to Iriga and to establish a sports program for the youth.
“I’ve talked with several people in the PSL about having games in Iriga and helping us with our grassroots program for volleyball,” Gazmen said.
“We’re very happy being here in the PSL. Hopefully, getting a win in our first game is the sign of good things to come for us.”
