After a lackluster performance in the first two games of the series, Rex Intal snapped out of his funk and found his groove at the best possible time for the Cignal HD Spikers.
With their Finals berth on the line, Intal – who only scored 11 points in Games One and Two combined, came out strong and delivered his best performance to help the HD Spikers clinch the last seat in the 2019 Spikers’ Turf Reinforced Conference Finals.
“Aminado ako na nawala ako sa sistema sa paglalaro, sa palo and sa blocking, pero nandiyan naman yung teammates ko and coaches ko na naniniwala sa akin,” the 24-year-old spiker admitted.
Intal’s block paved the way for Marck Espejo’s late-game domination which officially earned them a rematch with Go For Gold-Air Force in the championship match while also ending Sta. Elena’s tough stand.
With his confidence back at a high, Intal admitted that he lost his rhythm at the opening juncture of the series, but managed to get back on the right track thanks to the confidence that his teammates and coaches placed in him.
“So, bakit ako hindi maniniwala sa sarili ko if nandiyan yung coaches ko na naniniwala sa akin, nag guguide sa akin? Inaayos naman namin sa training,” the product of Ateneo added.
Wanting to repay the trust, Intal mustered all his courage and poured everything out in Game Three.
Despite riding the crest of their Game Three momentum, Intal and the rest of the HD Spikers’ will be back to square one as they prepare for their title-bid against the defending champions.
“Coming into the championship, wala kaming ibang iisipin,” the national team stalwart declared.
“Hindi naman iisipin na number one seed kami, hindi namin iisipin na kakapanalo lang namin, iisipin lang namin zero-zero yung Finals.”
