BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Perlas literally fought to hell and back just to be able to suit up in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.
So, despite finishing the tournament at ninth place with a 1-8 standing, head coach Rei Diaz was more than proud of the fight that her wards displayed.
“Lahat ng nilaro namin humahanga ako sa players namin kasi kada game binibigay nung bawat isa ‘yung best nila,” said Diaz, moments after their four-set loss to BaliPure last Saturday.
“Sobrang blessed kami. ‘Yung mga unang talo nakaka-frustrate, pero sabi ko nga, dapat ang makita natin’yung blessing. Makita natin kung ano yung pinagkaloob sa atin. Eh ‘yung matapos ‘yung liga na ‘to para sa team namin, sobrang laking bagay,” he added.
Perlas’ woes started during their training bubble in Baguio. Seven of their players along with a member of the coaching staff tested positive for coronavirus.
Then, a night before their opening match, the team was again hit by disaster after a member of the team’s non-playing staff contracted the virus.
The team was forced to miss the entire opening week and had to adjust to a compressed schedule to end the tournament.
Still, the Perlas Spikers refused to back down from the fight. Instead, they showed pure heart — celebrating every point with loud cheers.
Because for them, being able to play is already a huge win for the squad.
“Alam naman natin almost hindi nga kami nakapag-training, pero healthy lahat ng players. Uuwi kami ng walang injuries ‘yung players. Para sa akin malaking achievement ‘yung uuwi ‘yung players ko ng safe and walang injury. Kung meron man, minor,” bared Diaz.
Despite the subpar campaign, Diaz already felt satisfied knowing that the team gave their all against all odds.
“Ang mahirap lang kasi hindi nagresulta ng win, pero ‘yung effort, ‘yung commitment laging nandoon. Ako siyempre, hindi ako satisfied na natalo, pero masaya ako dahil ginawa ng team ‘yung best namin,” expressed Diaz.
“Ganun ulit, sigurado ako marami kaming natutunan. Mas marami pa kaming dapat trabahuin dito. Makikita kung pano pa mabuo ‘yung team.”
