After going through an abrupt change in the program, the Adamson Lady Falcons are eager to prove they’re still the same dangerous team for UAAP Season 88.
The Adamson Lady Falcons are coming off of a stellar outing in Season 87, securing a podium finish under the leadership of then-head coach Ryan Monteclaro and his players led by the likes of Cheska Apag, Elaine Etang, and Kemi Adeshina.
Though the core of players will remain the same, Adamson went through a sudden shake up in coaching with former Soaring Falcon Jed Colonia now in charge for UAAP Season 88.
But for Apag, who has since enriched her experience with stints in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and Gilas Pilipinas U23 3x3, there isn’t much to fret about.
“This season, ipapakita din namin kung ano yung pinakita namin last year kahit wala na si coach Ryan, pero same Adamson parin yung makikita nila,” Apag told One Sports.
“Palaban kami kahit maliit kami, lalaban kami hangga’t sa kaya namin. Bibigyan namin sila ng magandang laban.”
The Adamson Lady Falcons take on UAAP Season 88 with new head coach Jed Colonia. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
Well-adjusted Lady Falcons
While some teams take time to get accustomed to new systems, especially after spending multiple seasons with their previous coach, Apag said that the Lady Falcons did their part in welcoming in Colonia’s role as their new mentor in hopes of a smoother transition.
Albeit a newbie when it comes to calling the shots at the sidelines, Apag and the rest of Adamson made sure to absorb everything that Colonia had to offer for the team.
[RELATED: New Lady Falcons coach Jed Colonia sees shock appointment as ‘coming home’ to Adamson]
Working towards a singular goal of a better outing in UAAP Season 88, the 22-year-old is hoping that they are able to pull themselves together in time for the start of the season, especially with Colonia’s entry only coming a few months before the tournament.
“Inadapt kung ano yung sistema na meron siya kasi iba yung system ni coach Ryan, at iba rin yung sistema ni coach Jed, at first, nung nalaman namin na ganon yung nangyari sa pagpalit ng coach, napaisip kami na bagong sistema na naman. Paano kami maga-adjust?” Apag said.
“Pero nung nakilala na namin si coach Jed, madali lang naman yung pag cope up namin sa kanya.”
Apag attributed the seamless transition thanks to Monteclaro and Colonia’s similar programs to that of Adamson men’s coach Nash Racela.
Sharpening her skills
It’s not just going to be her coach that will be different this time for Apag, though.
Now armed with experience with the Pilipinas Aguilas in the WMPBL and the Gilas Pilipinas U23 3x3 team, Apag has been able to grow her game steadily since playing a key role for Adamson last year.
Cheska Apag (right), alongside Elaine Etang saw invaluable experience with the Gilas Pilipinas U23 3x3 team. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
With an emphasis on her time in 3x3, Apag said that she has grown stronger and more durable for the Lady Falcons and she hopes that it will be crucial for them in the long run.
“Siguro yung nakatulong sakin is yung stamina lalo na sa 3x3 kasi ibang klase yung ensayo ng 3x3 talaga, which is nakakatulong din po sa 5-on-5 kasi nga, minsan na lang mapagod. Pero, at the same time, nabubugbog din yung katawan kasi since dalawa yung tine-training namin, nage-enjoy lang din kami,” Apag said.
“Yung mga tinuturo ni coach Anton, nakakadagdag din samin lalo na sa mga plays sa 5-on-5. So, masaya siya at the same time na nakakapanibago,” she added.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.