Arguably a shoo-in for first six in any other team, Janine Marciano admitted she wasn’t confident coming off the bench at the beginning of the Shakey’s V League Season 13 Open Conference, but has adjusted since.
“Siyempre iba pa rin ‘yung talagang [first six ka], kasi ‘pag nasa loob ka, ‘yung confidence mo, nandu’n. ‘Pag galing ka kasi sa [bench], parang medyo hindi rin [ako] sanay,” said the former San Beda standout. “Pero nakapag-adjust na ‘ko sa ganu’ng feeling, so okay na ‘ko.”
With her name written in a lineup along with Alyssa Valdez, Grethcel Soltones, Charo Soriano, Dzi Gervacio, Jem Ferrer and Amy Ahomiro, the PSL 2014 top four pick has played sparingly and in various positions for the Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders.
“Unang una, hindi talaga ako utility ta’s ginamit akong utility. Hindi rin ako middle [pero ginamit akong middle],” said Marciano.
However, that doesn’t stop her from contributing to her team’s run at the cup.
“Open [spiker] talaga ako pero since jam-packed na kami sa wing spikers, I have to adjust.”
As a back-up middle hitter for Mae Tajima, she played an important role in their win against the Michelle Gumabao-led Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors last Wednesday in the first game their best-of-three semifinals matchup.
“In-adjust [ako ni Coach Charo] for middle. And injured rin [siya], so hindi siya maka-exchange ng position kay Mae [Tajima], so she used me,” she said after the game. “Sinabi niya sa’kin na ready lang.”
Water Defenders playing coach Charo Soriano also lauded Marciano’s durability and versatility.
“Regardless if we put her in the middle or the outside, she’s very confident and she gels very well already with the team. So we’re very proud of her and hopefully we’ll be able to sustain her performance throughout the finals series, as well,” said Soriano.
Game 2 of the much-anticipated Bali Pure versus Pocari Sweat semifinals will be on Saturday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
