By: Ohmer Bautista
PVL newcomers Motolite are relatively young compared to the rest of the field.
Comprised of a crop of talented spikers either fresh off their collegiate stints or entering their final years – primarily from University of the Philippines and Adamson University, such as Isa Molde, Tots Carlos, Ayel Estranero, Eli Soyud, Bern Flora – Motolite bank on their fresh legs to prevail over older competition.
“Our lack of experience in the professional league,” Motolite head coach Air Padda said about the greatest obstacle they have entering the tournament.
In a tournament where mettle is constantly tested, experience is crucial. Moreover, in a six-team field like the PVL, every game counts, and youthfulness alone can only do so much for a team.
And on Saturday evening, Padda and Motolite experienced the veteran-laden league’s tenacity first hand.
To open their campaign, Motolite suffered a four-set defeat at the hands of the battle-tested PacificTown-Army Lady Troopers.
Motolite had numerous setbacks heading into the conference.
Padda lamented their lack of experience and preparation, as they had less than a month of off-season training. This led to their on-court chemistry woes.
Worse, Gyselle Silva – supposed to partner with Edina Selimovic – suffered a shoulder injury prior to the season. This left Motolite no choice but to make a sudden move in acquiring Channon Thompson on short notice.
To cap it all of, their most veteran player Myla Pablo was out for their first two games due to a back strain.
“We haven’t figured out how to use our imports to our advantage and that hurt us a lot today,” admitted Padda.
“Gygy Silva was here for a week, but she got injured, so we had to scramble to find another import. And Channon has been here for seven days, she’s been training for five.”
Padda also admitted that Motolite ended up with the short end of the stick with their lack of training time. However, it is not enough of an excuse to dishearten the youthful team.
“Of course, siyempre, it’s a disadvantage but we just have to deal with it. We have to figure out how to speed things up. I guess the team jelling hasn’t really happened as fast as we liked it too,” expressed the former Adamson coach.
“We’re pressed for time, but that’s not an excuse.”
