The Lady Spikers may have not been aware that history is not on their side heading into yesterday’s game against FEU. The team is 0-2 it their past matches played on an Ash Wednesday.
Back in 2015, they failed to prevent Ateneo from sweeping the eliminations, losing in 4 sets. Two years ago, they lost to NU in 4 sets as well. They may or may not believe in such superstition but when it all seemed that they would eventually sweep the match, FEU suddenly caught fire and forced a deciding set. With the momentum in Lady Tams’ favor, it appeared that the defending champs would once again suffer another setback in this holy day.
But just like in their season opener against NU, the Lady Spikers found enough resolve when the going gets tough to win the match 25-22, 25-17, 24-26, 23-25, 15-7. Kim Dy topscored with 18 points followed by Majoy Baron with 16.
It was indeed a gut it out win, but the team could have made things easy had they finished the third set strong. Already at matchpoint, they failed to close it out, allowing FEU to score 4 straight points to extend the contest.
“Lagi kong sinasabi sa mga bata na hindi tayo pwede na mag-relax na kahit two sets na tayo. Madali kunin yung 24 points pero yung last point ang pinakamahirap kunin,” said coach Ramil de Jesus
In the deciding set, the Lady Spikers found their groove once again as they went on a furious 7-1 to take a commanding 12-6 lead and never looked back.
A sweep would have been better, but coach Ramil believes that these 5-setters would do good for the girls as well in the long run.
“Well, siguro it’s a good thing kasi at least makikita mo kung ano pa yung kailangang ayusin sa team, and mate-test mo yung character ng team,” he said.
With the win, the Lady Spikers tie NU for the top spot at 3-0. Both teams will go their separate ways when they collide this coming Sunday.