DLSU enters a new era without Noel Kampton, but the Green Spikers nevertheless seek a breakthrough in UAAP Season 88.
It’s the dawn of a new era for the DLSU Green Spikers as they venture into UAAP Season 88 without the services of long-time star Noel Kampton.
Kampton graduated last year, leaving a young but promising squad to carry on with La Salle men's volleyball.
Making the Final Four in each of the last three seasons, La Salle co-captain MJ Fortuna hopes to take it up a notch this upcoming tournament.
“Kailangan pa namin ng more eagerness or willingness to win,” Fortuna said, noting that the Green Spikers have yet to break through despite consistency in making the playoffs.
But with a new batch of players, the path for Season 88 will be challenging to say the least.
“[We need to work on] especially yung communication [namin] this season, since puro bata nga. So more on adjustment, more on guide pa sa kanila this coming season,” he said.
Fortuna did not excuse himself from high expectations, with the veteran vowing his best effort in building up a team’s confidence after losing quite the leader in Kampton.
“For me, asahan nila na gagawin ko lalo yung best ko this season. Gagawin ko yung part ko as a co-captain nila and tutulungan ko yung bawa’t isa sa team namin na mag-contribute pa during this season,” he said.
Stepping up to the plate
Leadership will be paramount to Fortuna’s responsibilities, apart from his scoring skills that have steadily anchored the team.
Fortuna serves as a co-captain, and will be hard-pressed to get his team going as early as possible.
Thankfully, his teammates have subscribed to their singular goal: making it to the championship.
“Sa akin, bilang isa na sa mga senior at co-captain, mahirap at first since rebuilding kami, so more on bata yung kasama namin. Pero at the same time, malaking bagay siya kasi yung mga bata naman, sumusunod sa amin, sa coaches, so hindi siya malaking factor na porke’t bata,” he said.
“At the same time yung potential ng team andon naman so hindi siya mahirap sa part namin and sa coaches kasi willing naman sila matuto,” Fortuna continued.
The Green Spikers will be up for stiff competition on opening weekend, taking on last year’s runners-up FEU on Valentine’s Day, February 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
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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.