Lady Spikers’ confidence through the roof heading into clash with Tams
La Salle’s five-set escape act over Adamson on Wednesday showed that, even on the verge of collapse, the Lady Spikers are still very much capable of weathering a storm.
Now, with the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament Final Four picture tightening, the traditional powerhouse turns its sights on Far Eastern University (FEU)—fully aware that it is hurtling toward what could be an even more torrential challenge.
“We really need to prepare ourselves,” said cornerstone Angel Canino. “FEU battles with so much might because they also want to raise their ranking. But at the same time, of course, we’ve been given the opportunity to get the twice-to-beat, so we will push ourselves to stay in the race for that advantage.”
That playoff protection hinges on how the 9-4 Lady Spikers handle the 8-5 Lady Tamaraws on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
University of Santo Tomas, tied with La Salle in the chase for the No. 2 spot, takes on defending champion and top-ranked National University in a parallel high-stakes duel on Sunday, needing no less than a victory.
A win for both the Golden Tigresses and the Lady Spikers this weekend will prompt a one-game playoff for the second seed.
While wary of the enemy’s mettle, Canino is steadfast in the belief that hurdling a side that beat them in the first round is not impossible.
“It’s hard, but I believe that we can do it. And hopefully, we’re able to end the second round strong as a team,” she said.
For costar and opposite hitter Shevana Laput, the battle begins between the ears.
“We just have to fight for it. We need to prepare ourselves mentally,” Laput said. “Because I think that’s where our team—not lacks, but where we just need to improve more.
“And it’s just about applying [that] on the court and showing everyone what La Salle is,” she went on.
That resolve was evident in the win over Adamson at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Down two sets against an also-ran crew looking to complicate the Final Four race, the Lady Spikers rallied to prevail, with rookie Shane Reterta at the forefront of that fightback.
“What I can say is that our team is the kind that doesn’t stumble easily,” Reterta said. “[The senior player] would fight until the end, no matter the score.”
Laput called her young teammate a breath of fresh air, adding that Reterta—and even the opposing ace Shaira Nitura—showed that whether rookie or veteran, anyone can “become a game changer in this game.”
For the trio, that close shave actually allowed them to recalibrate—something they sorely need heading into Sunday’s clash.
“We gained a lot of confidence. But, at the same time, we also saw that we really need to improve ourselves as a team,” noted Canino.
That effort against Adamson also gave the Lady Spikers a timely reminder about themselves—one that they hope to echo. Loudly.
“La Salle is not this second- or third-[place] team. We are a championship team. And we will show everyone that that’s what we are,” Laput said.
