The Ateneo-La Salle match did not only serve as a point of pride for both squads, but as an acid test, as the perennial finalists have consistently made the top of the standings.
Last Saturday though, the defending champions, De La Salle University Lady Spikers, were served a disheartening loss in this season’s first rivalry game.
The Lady Spikers could have had a comfortable lead in the match as they held a 23-18 lead in the first two sets. Instead, the Taft Avenue spikers lost their grip on the lead and fell behind 0-2. The margin proved too wide for the Lady Spikers, as the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles used their momentum to end the match in four sets.
Team captain Kim Fajardo believes they forgot their established roles. Lamenting on the loss, the graduating setter rued their late-game effort.
“Sa amin, noong game na ‘yun, bumitaw lang. Pero parang dumulas lang sa amin ‘yung game. Siguro nga kasi nag-relax. Ever since naman, ‘yun na talaga sakit ng team namin.
“Kaya naman talaga, kaya nga kami nakalamang nang ganoon. Pero, pagdating sa dulo, relax na at hinihintay na magkamali ‘yung kalaban,” the 23-year-old shared.
The native of Calatagan, Batangas insists that her teammates have figured out their roles, but the pressure of the rivalry match got to them.
“Siguro papunta na sila [young players] doon pero hindi pa nila nagagamay.
“Last year nga, nandoon pa sila Ara, sila Mika kaya may niloo-look up pa sila. Ngayon kasi wala na silang puwedeng tingalain. Ako na lang eh setter pa ako. Siguro, kailangan nila tanggapin na nila na ngayon ‘yung senior na dapat kumuha noong role na magdala sa team,” the 5-foot-8 setter admitted.
“Alam nila ‘yun, siguro nakalimutan lang dahil nga sa crowd tapos may pressure din kasi nga Ateneo-La Salle.”
With contenders eagerly eyeing their throne, the Lady Spikers will need a better all-around effort in the second round to secure a seat in the Top Two and a twice-to-beat advantage.
Fajardo recalls immediately seeing the fire in her teammates to make up for the loss and deliver at this stage in the season.
“Right after noong first round, na-feel ko talaga sa kanila na hindi na ‘to magpapatalo. Hindi na first round La Salle team ‘to. Iba na ‘yung lalabas sa second round,” the reigning UAAP Best Setter vowed.
