The short prep time is tough on everyone.
The Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference is set to begin on February 4. By now, all the participating teams should be battle-ready for the new volleyball season. But as with most things in life, people are rarely dealt with the ideal situation.
Early this January, popular PVL team Choco Mucho welcomed a new head coach in Dante Alinsunurin, former mentor of the Philippine men's volleyball team. As good as coach Dante is, he is a new face who is implementing a new system. There would be an adjustment period for the Flying Titans.
Team captain Bea de Leon recognizes the challenge, but she's quick to point out they're not alone.
“I think nobody has enough time at this point. We started training mga first week of December 'til we had a Christmas break . . . Obviously everyone went on a bit of a break on Christmas and then New Year,” de Leon said.
“We wish we had a bit more time. But everyone’s on the same boat naman,” she continued.
That’s right, the 5-foot-11 middle blocker isn’t crying over spilled milk. If anything, she’s quite optimistic about her squad’s upcoming campaign.
“Little by little I think it’s coming together sa training,” De Leon added.
The tight offseason schedule also affected the coaching strategy of F2 Logistics Cargo Movers head coach Regine Diego. Like Alinsunurin, Diego is also the newcomer in the team. As a protege of Ramil de Jesus, the de La Salle alum made it a point to not rock the boat.
“Not much change. It’s hard to make a real big change in a team wherein you’re just preparing for a month," Diego said. "So, I’m just trying to put in a little bit of change every day. Not just with their skills, I know they all have the skills.”
With the season opening in a few days, the new F2 drillmaster has focused on building team chemistry.
“I want them to build more connection with each other. I want them to have a better relationship with each other . . . I want a team result, not just individually.”
In just a few days, the new-look Flying Titans and revamped Cargo Movers will see the initial results of their preps. The first assignment for Choco Mucho will be to take on the Akari Chargers on opening day at 4:00 PM. As for F2, their first order of business will be to weather the PLDT High Speed Hitters on February 7, also at 4 in the afternoon.