Young national team hitter Jade Disquitado is making up the difference as Alas Pilipinas miss the services of Marck Espejo at the SEA V.League.
CANDON CITY, ILOCOS SUR — Jade Disquitado had no problems stepping up to the plate for Alas Pilipinas as they continue to make do without star hitter Marck Espejo during their stint at the SEA V.League here.
Disquitado, who led the scoring for Alas with 24 points in a crucial win over Cambodia on Saturday, said that the team is trying hard not to let Espejo’s absence affect them too much — especially as they shoot for their best finish in the tournament so far.
With a game left against Indonesia on the last day of the tournament, Alas is still in the running for the gold medal if the stars align.
[READ: Alas Pilipinas beat Cambodia in five sets, keep slim chance of gold in SEA V.League]
“Mas lalo naming ginagalingan, para hindi nila ma-feel na wala si kuya Marck, [at malaman nilang] kaya naming lumaban kahit wala si kuya Marck,” said Disquitado.
Though the bulk of the scoring for Alas in the tournament has been centered on Leo Ordiales and Buds Buddin, Disquitado was able to rise to the occasion, including in set 3 against Cambodia where he scored five straight points in an extended 32-30 Philippines win.
For Disquitado, he took it as added motivation and said that it was a way to improve on his individual performances. Still with a few years left in the UAAP, he knows that there is much he can learn both for the NU Bulldogs and Alas.
“Tine-take ko lang siya as motivation, para sa 'kin din naman 'yon para umangat din 'yung laro ko. Ginagawa ko lang lagi 'yung best ko,” he said.
What makes Disquitado’s performance more impressive is that he's been coming off the bench — even in Candon.
With his trust placed on Angiolino Frigoni’s system, Disquitado practices patience.
“Lagi naman akong ready kung sakaling bunutin ako nila coach sa bench, ginagawa ko lang 'yung best ko tuwing pinapasok ako sa loob ng court,” he said.
Alas faces Indonesia in the last game of the tournament in Candon City Arena at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13.