Tina Salak brought intensity in her UAAP collegiate coaching debut with Far Eastern University.
For every Lady Tamaraws point, the FEU legend was the first to celebrate. She had the loudest roar, which was a throwback to her playing days in Morayta some two decades ago.
And in the end, FEU showed its “Be Brave” spirit and beat University of the Philippines in four sets, 25-16, 23-25, 25-17, 26-24, to finally stop its 11-game slump from last year.
“I want them to play kung ano yung dating ako,” said Salak, a two-time UAAP champion during her playing days.
“Kasi gusto ko yung child-like na naglalaro na walang pakialam kung anong sabihin ng ibang tao regardless kung ano ba yung emotions na makikita sa pictures, gusto ko iexpress nila yung game kasi yun ang love nila eh,” added the Season 57 Most Valuable Player, who last played competitive volleyball back in the PVL bubble with Chery Tiggo.
Despite her celebratory emotions and the supposed-enjoyment visibly seen on her face, Salak admitted that there was a pinch of nervousness on her part being in the collegiate ranks now.
The setter-turned-tactician previously handled Angel Canino and De La Salle-Zobel in the UAAP high school girls’ volleyball, guiding them to the Season 81 title over Nazareth School of National University.
“Akala ko kasi hindi ako pagpapawisan kasi aircon pero pawis na pawis din ako. Very intense,” said Salak.
“Pressured in a way na ang dami mong ihahandle na people dati kasi sarili ko lang iniisip ko na kailangan kong magpakundisyon pero kung ano yung experience ko, tinatranslate ko sa kanila even little details para makafocus sila and ienjoy nila yung time nila.”
Tin Ubaldo, the Lady Tamaraws’ main playmaker, was named player of the game after tallying 16 excellent sets to go with five points on three attacks and two blocks.
And she credited Salak for it despite having some pressure playing for her, a legendary setter.
“Medyo may pressure po kasi nga legendary pero sa training naman po lahat ng alam ni coach pinapasa niya po sa amin,” said Ubaldo.
