The three-time defending champs were not only coming off their first back-to-back losses since the UAAP Season 77 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, they also had two key members of their starting six – May Luna and Des Cheng – hobbled with injuries.
In their stead, fourth-year winger Tin Tiamzon hopped off the bench, while rookie Marionne Alba shifted from setter to open hitter.
The pair performed admirably. Tiamzon managed 10 points, while Alba provided four markers and 12 digs, helping La Salle past a pesky UE side.
“Alam namin lahat na lahat kami may pagkukulang sa game.
“We tried our best. We started anew. The next day, sabi ni coach (Ramil De Jesus) kalimutan na lahat, and focus tayo sa game natin against UE and start tayo from there,” said Tiamzon.
“Nilaro lang namin kung ano ‘yung laro namin, kasi sabi ni coach (Ramil De Jesus) ‘yung past few games namin hindi kami ‘yun. Gumising na kami kasi mas may kaya pa kami ipakita sa mga kalaban namin,” added Alba, the 19-year old from San Mateo Rizal.
Both players pointed out that they had simply stayed ready and waited for their opportunity.
“For me, hindi naman bago sa akin kasi spiker din ako. Nire-ready ko lang lagi ‘yung sarili ko, kahit anong posisyon ‘yung ibigay sa akin ni coach kasi alam ko naman na once pinasok niya ako, malaki ‘yung tiwala niya sa akin,” Alba expressed.
“For the first few games, ready naman ako, whenever coach wants me to go in the court.
I want to contribute. Binigyan niya ako ng chance, same with Marionne. Alam kong malaki ‘yung trust niya sa akin. Kapag binigyan ka ng chance ni coach, ‘wag mo na sayangin,” added Tiamzon.
The Lady Spikers sit at 4-2 with a chance to start another win streak against the Far Eastern University in a rematch of last year’s Finals on Sunday.
“That wasn’t our A game. It’s a process and it’s a long season to go so tiyaga lang talaga,” said Tiamzon of their performance against UE.
“For me, lucky ako na every game mina-mindset ko na ipapasok ako ni coach kasi kailangan kong maging ready para di ako ma-shock sa ibang kalaban,” Alba added.
“Parang every game pinapaalam ni coach sa amin na ganito ‘yung labanan sa UAAP, hindi pwedeng pucho-pucho lang. Kailangan pa mag-work hard para maka-adjust doon.”
