They won in straight sets, but the De La Salle University Lady Spikers felt like they went on five-setter against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in Game One of the Finals.
Every other point was a war of attrition, as both teams traded hits and defensive plays, which led to plenty of long rallies.
In the end, the Lady Spikers’ experience shone, as they limited their errors enough for the Lady Tamaraws to give away their own.
Ramil De Jesus expected their match against FEU to be gritty. The 10-time UAAP champion mentor urged his players to stay focused, as Game Two looks to be as drawn out as Game One.
“Well sabi ko sa kanila (Lady Spikers), ang susi lang dito ay mag-tiyaga, ‘wag nating i-give up kahit anong situation,” De Jesus emphasized.
“So ano man ‘yan – defense man ‘yan, blocking man ‘yan, attack man ‘yan, basta importante, ‘wag tayong mag-give up kahit anong situation. ‘Yun lang ang sinasabi ko.”
With a chance to clinch his third three-peat with La Salle, De Jesus expects the Lady Tamaraws to come prepared and be sharper in Game Two.
“Well, pipilitin namin na makuha ‘yung Game Two, kasi mahirap na pag umabot pa ng Game Three. And then kung ano man ang naging performance ng FEU today, pag-aaralan namin kung paano pa namin sila mako-control,” expressed the decorated tactician.
“Hopefully, matapos sa Wednesday.”
