A newcomer to NU, Sherwin Meneses understands how crucial it is to retain the Lady Bulldogs’ winning tradition in UAAP volleyball.
Sherwin Meneses is a volleyball coach who isn’t a stranger to winning championships.
While it his first foray into the finals with a UAAP team, Meneses has more than enough experience in winning it all in the highest of stakes. Ask the Creamline Cool Smashers.
His players in NU are no different.
Before Meneses inherited the team, the Lady Bulldogs do have the reputation of being one of the most successful programs in UAAP volleyball especially in recent history. Since UAAP Season 84, NU has reached the finals all four years — and has won two titles so far.
Now with a chance to entangle his name in UAAP glory, Meneses said that he and his players understand that there is nothing else they should settle for.
It’s championship or nothing.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila, hindi pa tapos ang laban kasi ang goal talaga is ma-defend yung crown,” Meneses said, improving his overall record in the UAAP with NU to 13-2.
“So, konting enjoy, konti lang. Then, trabaho ulit para ma-defend 'yung crown ng NU. So 'yun 'yung pinaka-target talaga.”
In the early 2010s, Meneses was the head coach of the Adamson Lady Falcons, his first foray into UAAP volleyball.
But unlike then, his role in NU seems to be more of a supplement, rather than a requirement for success in the Lady Bulldogs. Already tried and tested before Meneses came into the picture, the Lady Bulldogs have proven that they have what it takes.
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While it’s a career highlight for him to reach the finals, having failed to do so with the Lady Falcons previously in the UAAP, Meneses is adamant that he wants nothing more than to ensure that the Lady Bulldogs keep on winning.
"Syempre happy [ako]. Pero since nung una pa lang na pumasok sa NU, syempre ang target is talagang--sinabi ko nga kanina--is ma-defend 'yung crown. Kasi 'yun 'yung pinaka-magandang mangyayari,” said the multi-champion coach in the PVL.
“One point at a time muna kami. Maghintay kami kung sino yung makalaban namin sa Finals.” he added.
Of course, Meneses is well aware that he has all the tools to successfully defend the crown.
Now, with their finals opponent still to be decided, the Lady Bulldogs put a premium on rest and recovery and go again next weekend.
"Syempre, 'yung advantage [namin ay meron] nang seniors na samin. Pero sabi ko nga sa kanila is kailangan malagpasan natin 'yung one week nating preparation na less injury, less na madisgrasya kahit papaano," said the tactician.
“Dapat healthy kami pagpasok ng finals para mas malaki 'yung chances na ma-defend 'yung crown. So yun nga, hindi pa tapos 'yung laban. Siguro talagang pagta-trabahuan muna namin na makuha, ma-defend 'yung crown ng NU."
The best-of-three finals series between NU and the winner of the Final Four matchup between La Salle and UST commences next Sunday, May 11.