Just when things had been looking up for the De La Salle University Lady Archers, they succumbed to two straight losses against archrivals Ateneo de Manila University in Season 78’s semifinals.
Fourth-year point guard Camille Claro recalled, “Actually, naging short din kami sa rotation. Na-injure din kasi ako, so kulang kami sa players. Walang akong kapalit na point guard. Si [Ara] Abaca, siya yung nag-lead. Parang siya yung nag-point guard.”
Going into this season, the Lady Archers lost seniors Abaca and Alyana Ong, among others to graduation, thus, making this team younger than it was last year.
Claro shared, “Puro rookies ulit, like last year lang na kailangan mag-adjust.”
Nonetheless, the playmaker had some advice for the youngsters. She said, “Kung ano yung experience ko, yun yung sinabi ko sa kanila. Like, sa first mahirap kasi rookie ka pa lang. Unahin mo muna seniors mo, susunod ka lang.”
“Kung ano yung laro niyo nung high school, just do it lang, kasi mag-iimprove at mag-iimprove kayo.”
The Taft dribblers prepared hard for this tournament, joining three leagues, in the last of which they met the same University of the Philippines Lady Maroons that they faced Saturday morning in the finals.
The difference now, however, is it is now the UAAP.
“Same approach lang, mas focused lang kasi UAAP na.”
The Lady Archers are more than prepared to redeem themselves from what happened last year. The versatile guard shared, “Ginagawa naming motivation yung nangyari last season.”
She also admitted that they are cautiously looking forward to their match against the National University. She said, “Kailangan huwag kami makampante na hanggang dito lang; dapat lalo kaming mag-improve every game, lalo na pagdating ng NU game.”
Despite the odds, DLSU is ready to release the animo and turn in a new leaf this season.
As the long-time court general put it,
“Ready na kami.”
