After careful preparation and training in all aspects of their game from physical strength and technique to mental fortitude, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers are poised to make a comeback this University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87.
Team captain Menard Guerrero remarked on how the past season and pre-season tournaments have shaped the way the team has prepared for the upcoming season. Their unity and camaraderie as a team has been solidified through their pre-season games, from both losses and victories. In past plays such as the V-League Tournament, Guerrero remarked how they didn’t feel fully formed as a team yet. But currently, the captain remarked how the Green Spikers feel more whole through the challenges, adjustments, and unity that only comes from playing together.
Although the team fell short of achieving a championship back in Season 86, the experience only fueled them towards striving for the coveted trophy. In the words of the team captain, they are more eager for that trophy coming into Season 87 since six of the green-clad Spikers, including the captain, are now in their final year of playing for UAAP. With this, they are more determined than ever to produce the results that they are eyeing for this season. The captain said, “Redemption year namin…parang iba yung hugot namin, iba yung preparations for this upcoming UAAP Season 87. Nafe-feel ko yun yung magpu-push sa amin para mag strive better at tsaka strive harder.”
In preparation for the season, the boys in Green have not only been training their physical aspect but their mental fortitude as well. With many make or break moments in the sport, they have ensured that they are as mentally prepared as possible. The captain commented how capable each and every Green Spiker is in terms of technical volleyball skills: “[In] UAAP, alam na namin na kailangan talaga na matibay ang loob mo at utak mo so parang yun yung mas tinrain sa amin ng coach namin, na big crowds, so parang dapat mas prepared yung utak mo.”
Competing at that level is rife with pressure and the Green Spikers have taken precautions toward alleviating some of that pressure. Guerrero said that it’s normal for the seniors to pass down that experience and the intense feeling of being on that court to the younger players. The size of the venue and the energy of the crowd is a different story when it comes to UAAP Tournaments. In line with this, the team constantly takes into mind to keep themselves composed all the time. Although the team enjoys playing jokes on each other to further build their camaraderie and unity, Guerrero credits meditation for grounding the team before games, saying that it is of utmost importance to ensure their mentality is set once they step onto the court.
The captain went on to remark on how they try to remember that they are the challengers this season to alleviate pressure. Guerrero noted, “Lagi naming nire-remind sa kanila, kasi wala sa amin yung pressure. Hindi naman tayo ang defending champion dito, challenger lang naman tayo, so parang just play our game, ganon lang, mag-enjoy.” Additionally, Guerrero acknowledged the added pressure that comes with leadership as team captain but the libero also understands that, as the leader, he has to be a symbol of strength for the team.
With all their preparation, much is to be expected from the Green Spikers. After losing two of their key players, Billie Anima and JM Ronquillo, the tendency and play of the team is expected to look different this season. Guerrero believes they will be more whole this time around and that they have developed chemistry and balance through the new dynamic they have prepared for Season 87. The captain mentioned to watch out for the team’s players including Eric Layug, their two opposites Rui Ventura and MJ Fortuna, and well-known star players such as Chris Hernandez.
To close, the captain shared his utmost gratitude to the Lasallian community: “Sana patuloy niyo pa rin kami suportahan kahit ano maging outcome ng game namin at patuloy din naming ibibigay yung best namin para maipakita sa inyo na worth it yung pag-support sa amin.”
Showcase your Animo and support the DLSU Green Spikers in their campaign to reach the gold for the Green and White starting this Sunday, February 16, against the National University (NU) Bulldogs at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. Their Round 1 schedule are as follows:
DLSU vs. NU — February 16, 11:00 AM
DLSU vs. AdU — February 22, 3:00 PM
DLSU vs. UST— February 26, 9:00 AM
DLSU vs. UP — March 2, 9:00 AM
DLSU vs. UE— March 8, 9:00 AM
DLSU vs. Ateneo — March 12, 11:00 AM
DLSU vs. FEU — March 15, 11:00 AM
The post Mentality In The Court: Green Spikers Seek Redemption in Season 87 appeared first on De La Salle University.
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