La Salle deputy Noel Orcullo issued a stern reminder to the Lady Spikers that even after a crucial win over UST, they’re still a long way to go.
The DLSU Lady Spikers will be careful not to get too high after taking a big victory over long-time rivals UST Golden Tigresses in a four-set battle to gain the remaining twice-to-beat advantage as the Final Four kicks off in UAAP Season 87 this weekend.
La Salle, who needed UST to lose in their final elimination match against NU to gain a chance at the semis bonus, made the most of their opportunities with a come-from-behind victory in Set 4 against last year’s finalists.
[READ:
DLSU repulses UST to gain twice-to-beat bonus in Final Four]
But for assistant coach Noel Orcullo, the Lady Spikers must remember that the season is far from over.
Still set for a Final Four clash against the Golden Tigresses, La Salle will be hard-pressed to not let their guard down.
“Ayun nga, sabi ko nga kanina sa kanila nung pagkatapos, sabi ko hindi pa tapos yung laban. Nakuha lang natin yung twice-to-beat pero dadating tayo doon sa actual na semifinals na tayo yung may advantage so kailangan panghawakan na natin ito advantage na nakuha natin,” said Orcullo.
“Huwag na nating bitawan pa."
La Salle’s win was a good change of pace, especially against UST, as they were on the losing end for most of their playoff clashes against the España squad in recent history.
In UAAP Season 81, La Salle found themselves in a similar situation to what they have right now, but at that point, they were seeking a historic four-peat in the championship.
Now, things have changed, as the Lady Spikers were the first to the finish line — at least in the playoff.
Among the biggest factors of their victory was La Salle’s blocking, as they registered a season-high 20 blocks which greatly limited UST at the net.
With their hard work paying off, Ocrullo hopes it continues to be a game changing factor for the Taft spikers.
“Ang ganda ng blocking namin ngayon na nakaka-read na sila. Kumbaga, yung tinitraining namin na blocking siguro nagmamatter ngayon, lumalabas,” said Orcullo.
“Sumusunod na sila sa binibigay na instruction sa kanila. So ayun, naging maganda iyong blocks," he added.
Slated to face UST at least once more in the semis on Saturday, La Salle’s wall will try to be as effective — if not more — against the same foes. A win for La Salle on Saturday will propel them to their first finals appearance since UAAP Season 85.