Army-Black Mamba assistant coach Rico De Guzman believes that Ivy Perez has the tools to become the next Tina Salak for the Lady Troopers, Tuesday.
De Guzman, though, admitted that the National University product still has a lot to work on if she wants to achieve the heights that the Army legend reached.
“Parang nakikita ko sa kanya si Tina Salak pero marami pang pagdadaanan si Ivy,” said De Guzman after the Lady Troopers’ four-set win over the short-handed Choco Mucho on Tuesday afternoon.
“Yung nanggaling sa amin si Tina, gusto ko ring ipaano sa kaniya na malakas yung team ng Army, malakas yung spikers, siya yung playmaker namin talaga. Lagi kong inuulit ulit sa kaniya na pag-aralan mo lang Ivy, ‘pag napag-aralan mo yung kalaban natin kung saan ibibigay yung bola talaga, kay Jovelyn [Gonzaga], sa quicker natin o mapa-open ‘man… Basta pag-araalan mo lang mananalo kami,” he continued.
Salak, who was recently named as head coach of Far Eastern University’s women’s volleyball team, led Army to two Shakey’s V-League titles and three Philippine Super Liga championships.
Perez admitted that she felt pressured after hearing De Guzman’s statement. Still, she vowed that she will work hard to turn that dream into reality.
“Tiya-tiyagain. Nakaka-pressure siya in a way kasi Tina Salak yun e, legend yun e. Sabi ko nga kanina hindi kayang pantayan pero kayang sabayan,” said the former Petro Gazz playmaker.
Perez played another stellar outing for the Lady Troopers, dishing out 27 excellent sets in the 25-22, 22-25, 26-24, 25-19 win over the Flying Titans. She also had nine points on seven attacks, two blocks, and two aces as well as seven excellent digs.
In the team’s previous four-set win over her former squad, the 30-year-old playmaker had 21 excellent sets and 10 points.
“Superb e, may mga lapses pero kaya i-recover kasi merong nagga-guide. Nagwawatak-watak per yung goal namin isa lang e so ‘di siya mahirap i-align e,” said Perez.
“Nakakataas ng morale pero hindi pa rin enough e. Talagang kakapit at kakapit ako sa kanila kasi hindi ko yun magagawa kung hindi dahil sa kanila.”
