WOMEN OF THE DAY
On International Women’s Day, Regine Diego and Tina Salak, the only female coaches in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament, continue to break barriers and prove that they can excel in a male-dominated coaching scene in the country.
National University made quick work of Ateneo, 25-18, 25-18, 25-15, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, giving Diego her fifth win in six games since assuming the mantle for the defending champion Bulldogs, who are primed up for a big battle coming against La Salle later this week.
The rookie National U coach just wants to represent women and make a difference in the Philippine volleyball coaching scene.
“It’s not easy to be a woman in this country. And it’s harder to be in a male-dominated industry, but I was put here by God because I have a purpose here,” said Diego, who handled the NU high school program in the past before having stints with the defunct F2 Logistics crew in the professional PVL.
“As much as I can, I’m here to share whatever I know, whatever I learn along the way and hopefully we get to inspire not just women but everybody who understands and who can accept that women can be one of the best everywhere.”
Meanwhile, Salak, who also delivered Akari’s third straight win in the PVL on Saturday, extended Far Eastern U’s winning streak to three after sending the University of the Philippines crashing back to earth, 25-13, 25-21, 25-16, to rise to the solo third with a 4-2 record, behind unbeaten La Salle (5-0) and the Bulldogs.
“I see more equality now. It’s no longer about what one can do compared to another,” Salak, a former national setter, said in Filipino. “This time, it’s more about how we can influence other people through the way we work, the way we play and the way we coach.
“We also hope to inspire others to follow the same path and build teams like this,” Salak continued. “I’m very thankful to the FEU community for accepting me. At the same time, coach Reg with NU has also been a big factor in women’s volleyball. There are former national team players who represented the country before but didn’t get the chance to continue their passion in the sport.”
The seasoned Vange Alinsug continued to lead the Bulldogs with 18 points made up of 14 kills, three blocks and an ace that went with seven excellent digs, while Arah Panique chipped in 10 points.
Sam Cantada, who rested in their past win over the University of the East last Wednesday due to a shin injury, made her comeback off the bench with six points, including the win-clinching cross-court attack.
For Far Eastern, Alyzza Devosora continued to show her vast improvement, leading the Lady Tamaraws with 15 points off 13 kills and two aces. Team captain Gerz Petallo also flaunted an all-around performance of 12 points, including the win-sealing ace, on top of eight excellent digs and eight excellent receptions, while Cla Loresco added 11 points, including four blocks.
After a win on International Women’s Day, Diego braces for another special match against the unbeaten La Salle, led by her college mentor Ramil De Jesus.
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