The match could have very well ended in straight sets with La Salle on top, but problems late in sets hindered them. In the first two sets, La Salle would hit 23 points with Ateneo trailing by two or three.
With the win in sight, La Salle slipped and let Ateneo take the first two sets and the match.
The same problem almost nipped them in the bud in their following match against Far Eastern University. But this time, the Lady Spikers arrested the skid and came away with a straight-sets win.
“Actually, ‘yung performance namin agianst Ateneo, kita naman natin na ang daming kapos, medyo kapos. Akala ko nga mauulit this game,” the nine-time UAAP champion coach said.
“So ‘yun, pagka medyo andun ka na sa endgame, although malayo ‘yung score, nagre-relax. Akala siguro natatapos sa 24 or 23 yung set or ‘yung game. Sana natuto. Yung nangyari doon, blessing ‘yun kasi nalaman nila kung ano ‘yung dapat na i-adjust nila sa susunod.”
At 6-2, the defending champs are still working out the kinks of their new lineup. Having lost several key players from last season’s squad, De Jesus is counting on the newcomers to keep improving to meet the team’s needs.
“Nakikita mo naman kahit sa game na ito, nakikita mo yung pa-petiks-petiks pagdating ng endgame. Eh ‘yun ‘yung chance para magkaroon ng comeback ang kalaban, so bakit mo bibigyan? So dapat matuto yung team,” added the FEU alumnus.
“Unlike last year kasi merong pumapasan ng responsibility sa team — si Ara, si Yeye, si Cyd. Maraming seniors na pumapasan. So ngayon, parang hindi pa ready yung iba. ‘Uy kami na pala.’ Nagulat [pero] dapat pasan na nila sa ganoong situation.”
De Jesus hopes his team finds the fighting character in pivotal situations that is key to winning championships.
“Mas nakakatakot lang kasi hindi mo alam ‘yung balik ng team, kung aayaw ba or gagalaw ba. ‘Yun ang medyo big question para sa akin,” he concluded.
