Uncertainty built around the De La Salle University Lady Spikers heading into their UAAP Season 79 debut. With minimal presence in the media, getting a good read on the Lady Spikers was difficult.
It turns out, they are still championship contenders as they triumphed over pre-season favorites FEU in three tight sets.
According to head coach Ramil De Jesus, the Lady Spikers are still adjusting after losing Ara Galang, Mika Reyes, Cyd Demecillo, Mika Esperanza and Carol Cerveza to graduation.
“Players come and go,” said De Jesus, who has been with La Salle for the last 19 years.
“Siguro, sa ibang aspect pero hindi mo na kasi puwedeng hanapin ‘yung kung anong meron last year. Kailangan mo nang pag tiyagaan kung ano ang meron ngayon and kailangan mong trabahuhin para, at the same time, hindi masyadong malayo doon sa kung ano mang level ang nilalaro noong ibang teams.
“Actually, ‘yun pa ang bini-build ng team. So hanggang ngayon ‘yung iba medyo alanganin pa doon sa iba’t ibang role, hindi pa kilala ang kaya nilang gawin as a player and kung ano ang kaya ng team. Siguro ngayon medyo nangangapa pa. Blessing naman na nanalo kami siguro naka-gain ng confident ‘yun kahit papano para sa team,” the nine-time UAAP champion coach furthered.
The defending champions, however, were tormented in the 2016 edition of the University Games — one of the few tournaments they joined during the off-season. During the tournament held in Dumaguete City, the Lady Spikers fell to UAAP rivals UST Golden Tigresses in straight sets in the semifinals.
But team captain Kim Fajardo wasn’t there to call the shots and De Jesus gladly pointed out her presence as a difference-maker come their tilt on Saturday, February 11.
“Kasi noong natalo kami wala si Fajardo. Malaking bagay kasi si Fajardo kasi nakakapagbigay siya ng morale boost sa kasama and leadership so siguro ibang usapan pag UAAP. Offseason kasi siguro testing sa team ‘yun eh
“Hopefully makabawi kami,” De Jesus said.
