‘DAPAT ITAAS ANG INTENSITY,’ SAYS ADAMSON ASSISTANT COACH AHEAD OF MATCH VS DLSU
There is a dip in the Lady Falcons’ intensity and the coaching staff is trying to address it quick.
This is what Adamson assistant coach Rald Ricafort told Akari Sports following the team’s 25-16, 25-19, 20-25, 27-25 narrow escape versus UE in the second round of the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Volleyball Tournament Saturday at the PhilSports Arena.
“Medyo may observation na bumaba ang laro after Holy Week break. Ina-address namin ‘yan,” Ricafort shared.
“Nagkataon lang din na na-down sila sa NU game, sumasama pa rin sa ibang games. Pero nilu-look forward naman namin sa mga next games na dapat itaas ang intensity,” he added, talking about the straight sets loss handed to them by the Lady Bulldogs last Wednesday.
In their game against the Lady Warriors, the San Marcelino crew looked poised to sweep the match after taking the first two frames only to lose steam at the start of the third set where the second stringers were called in for duty.
Outside hitters AA Adolfo and Aliah Marce struggled to convert at the onset of the third set, giving the Lady Warriors the confidence and the momentum to extend the match.
“Nabanggit nga ni coach (Jerry Yee) dun sa second stringers na pag binigyan ng chance, i-grab talaga nila at laruin nila ng maayos. Na-bad start ‘yung third set hanggang sa dahil complacent nga, hindi na naka-recover hanggang dulo,” said the assistant coach.
“‘Yung complacency (ang naging problema). Natuto naman sila,” he added, still looking at the bright side.
Adamson head coach Jerry Yee had to call Kate Santiago and Lucille Almonte back in to finish the match with team captain Louie Romero and rookie Trisha Tubu and prevent another meltdown.
Ricafort warns that the same scenario must not happen if the Lady Falcons want to avenge their first round defeat against La Salle, currently the number one team in the standings.
On courage playing a big role in their upcoming match, he says: “Una, wala dapat room for complacency. Binabanggit ‘yung tapang lagi eh. ‘Yung round one versus La Salle tsaka round two versus NU, ‘yung tapang ang hinahanap ni coach.”
Aside from playing fearless, the assistant coach also reminds the team to remember to execute the plan.
“Sa planning namin, hindi nagiging swabe ang execution. Minsan nawawala sa plano ang ibang movement. Siguro dahil na rin sa pressure. So kailangan ready sila dyan,” he said.
The Adamson-La Salle round two matchup happens pn Wednesday, 2PM, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
