Head coach Tina Salak knows that her FEU Lady Tamaraws still have more to show despite an inconsistent start to UAAP Season 87.
Despite fielding an unchanged lineup, the FEU Lady Tamaraws have had their share of struggles early into the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
After a statement win over the UST Golden Tigresses to start the season, the Lady Tams stumbled against the UP Lady Maroons last February 19, which was followed by a close five-setter versus defending champs NU Lady Bulldogs a few days later.
The Lady Tams have since gone on a two-game winning streak, which includes their four-set win against the UE Lady Warriors on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. However, head coach Tina Salak was the first to admit how the early part of Season 87 has become an eye-opener for her and the Lady Tams.
“Ang akala ko nga set na ako, na okay na kami! So ngayon ko nakikita ‘yung other side ng mga players ko na ‘di ko nakita before, so marami kaming factors na kino-continue i-work on and ang dami ko nakikita na maliliit na factors na pwede maka-apekto sa kanila. But still, sabi ko nga kung andiyan ‘yung goal at hangga’t andiyan ‘yung dream, hindi dapat tayo mawala,” Salak told The GAME following their 25-23, 25-19, 25-20 win over the Lady Warriors.
Among their various points for improvement, Salak said, is consistently showing their “winning character” on the Taraflex, especially after they started Season 87 with contrasting results.
The Tams also started slowly against the Lady Warriors on Wednesday, which further highlighted their need to iron out the kinks early into the new UAAP season according to Salak.
“Happy to say na ngakakaroon sila ng winning character ngayon, but ‘yung sustainability and kung paano nila mama-maintain ‘yung happy character na ‘yon. Kasi parang in crunch time nawawala ‘yung pagiging happy nila, nagkakanya kanya,” Salak reflected. “‘Yun siguro, ‘yung consistency na magkaroon ng all throghout na ganong perforamnce, walang sisihan and everything.”
But even if the Lady Tams are a work in progress, Salak knows that time is still on their side, given that the season is still in the first round of eliminations. Aside from having the luxury of time, the legendary setter also bared how they are taking a hands-on approach in resolving these early issues.
“So nag-group session naman, so I hope also na makapagbigay kami ng extra boost doon sa kanila, sa mga gusto nilang marating. Andito kami para makinig, magbigay ng little advice, so sana ang akin lang magkaroon kami ng [mas] intact na team pa, na walang bibigay doon sa goal namin,” said Salak, who resumed head coaching duties after a one-season absence.
FEU is expected to close out their Round 1 campaign against the Adamson Lady Falcons this March 8, before locking horns with the DLSU Lady Spikers this March 15. And if all goes well, the Lady Tams might just head into Round 2 with a four-game winning streak.
“Hopefully, makuha namin ‘yung 5-2 record and I think number two or three kami. So moving forward to second round, ‘yun ‘yung ia-aim pa namin kasi marami nang magbabago ng second round,” Salak said.
Images courtesy of the UAAP Media Bureau.