By Abby Toralba
LYCEUM failed in its bid for the 98th NCAA women’s volleyball crown but coach Cromwel Garcia sees a silver lining in their defeat to College of St. Benilde.
Garcia said their runner-up finish proved his charges have what it takes, adding they now have the backing of a much-needed ‘community.’
“Sobrang big (milestone) kasi parang sabi ko nga, ito iyong umpisa ng istorya, ito na iyong community, kumbaga naka-gather kami ng community to support us. Naipakita namin kung ano talaga iyong kaya naming,” said Garcia, who steered the Lady Pirates to the finals in his second year with the team.
Although they got swept in two games in the finals, Garcia sees a bright future for his charges, who managed to reach the finals for the first time since joining the league in 2011.
“Sobrang laking bagay nitong Finals appearance na ito, hindi lang sa akin, lalong-lalo na sa mga bata kasi napatunayan nila sa sarili nila na kaya nilang gawin. Even sa (other) schools, naipakita namin na ang Lyceum hindi lang pang-anim or pang-pito (sa standings), kaya naming umabot hanggang championship,” Garcia said.
On their way to the finals, the Lady Pirates stunned No. 2 seed Perpetual Help, a victory that Garcia said will give the team the confidence it badly needs.
“Sobrang dami (learnings). I think iyong realization ng mga bata, sobrang daming natutunan na yes, credit to Benilde sobrang tibay talaga nung team nila, sobrang lakas, but I think the kids, kumbaga, tatatak sa utak nila iyong mga bagay na napulot nila dito,” Garcia said. “Sana, hopefully, madala nila pagdating ng next season.”
With the conclusion of the volleyball competition this season, Lyceum will bid farewell to veterans Jewel Maligmat and Zonxi Dahab due to graduation.
But the Lady Pirates are still expected to be a contender next year, with the season’s Best Setter Venice Puzon, 2nd Best Middle Blocker Janeth Tulang, and power hitters Johna Dolorito and Joan Doguna leading the way.
This Sunday, at The Arena in San Juan, the league will hold its NCAA All-Star volleyball game, with some of the Lady Pirates expected to show their stuff.
