By Abby Toralba
EAGER to finish the eliminations strong before the Final Four battle, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers are keeping their focus on the big picture in the 85th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.
Assistant coach Noel Orcullo said fighting complacency will be a big factor for the Lady Spikers, who have clinched the first twice-to-beat edge in the semis.
The team, leading the field with an 11-1 card, takes arch-rival Ateneo this Sunday and the UE Lady Warriors on April 29.
“Siguro, constant reminders na lang sa amin pagdating sa training na hindi dapat nagre-relax kahit may twice-to-beat edge. Andoon pa rin iyong goal namin na iisa ang dapat naming patutunguhan,” said Orcullo.
“So kung ano iyong gusto nilang mangyari sa team, dapat hindi kami mawala doon. Iyon lang, motivation lang lagi sa training kung ano iyon gagawin sa susunod na game.”
The Taft-based squad clinched the twice-to-beat edge last Wednesday at the expense of the Adamson University Lady Falcons 25-17, 25-27, 23-25, 25-23, 15-9.
Rookie Angel Canino said that although the team is on top, they should keep on improving and display their fortitude.
“We look forward to our remaining games. Kung ano pa iyong kaya naming ipakita kasi alam naman namin na every game, after every game, may kailangan pa kaming i-improve as a team. So, kung ano man iyong kailangan na i-improve namin and nakuha naming lessons ngayon, i-aapply namin sa natitira pang games naming,” Canino said.
Orcullo said the team will be all business against the Blue Eagles.
“Kami, kung sino iyong nasa harap namin, paghahandaan pa rin. Although Ateneo is out of the Final Four, hindi pa rin kaming puwedeng mag-relax pagdating sa kanila. Pride pa rin naman namin at ng mga bata na kailangan hindi tayo magpatalo,” said Orcullo.
